The Eagle project selected by Josh Collins of Jones County Boy Scout Troop 51 had no down side for anyone who had the privilege to be involved.

Collins has been a Scout for seven years and is ready to earn the organization’s highest rank of Eagle Scout, and the final step in the journey is the selection and performance of an Eagle project.

He had the idea for the project months ago, but it was only recently approved by the district board. With time running out, the Scout had to be creative to achieve his goal. His chosen project was to bring Toys for Tots to Jones County to provide Christmas presents for children being served by the Department of Family and Children Services.

According to the BSA website, the Eagle project must demonstrate leadership of others and provide service to a worthy institution other than the Boy Scouts.

The distinction of being an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in Scouting but also in higher education, business or industry, and community service. The award is a performance-based achievement with standards that have been well maintained over the years. Only about 5 percent of all Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout rank, and more than 1.7 million Scouts have earned the rank since 1912.

Eagle Scout is the highest advancement rank in Scouting, and to earn the rank a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. Although many options are available to demonstrate proficiency, a number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks — Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle.

Collins contacted DFCS and received a list of foster children needing toys. He had an idea about how to get funds for the toys and contacted the Jones County/Gray Chamber of Commerce.

The Boy Scout sent an email to the Chamber, and it was forwarded to its members. Collins explained what he was trying to do.

“I am going around to local businesses to ask for donations of money or gifts. All money donated will go towards buying presents for the toy drive. Also everything donated, whether it is money or gifts, will all stay in Jones County and will be distributed by the Jones County DFCS prior to Christmas. The Toys for Tots foundation is run by the United States Marines and is the largest charitable organization in the country. Your contributions will be greatly appreciated by us and also by the children of Jones County,” he said.

When Chamber members received the email, the checks started coming in. Helping a Scout attain the rank of Eagle while providing Christmas gifts to Jones County children was certainly a win-win proposition.

Collins said he chose Toys for Tots to help with the toys because he was familiar with the organization. His dad, Wilton, was a Marine, and he has been involved in the Toys for Tots effort with him.

The Chamber served as a liaison between the donors and Collins. He said he picked up checks from the Chamber every other day. As of the day before Christmas Eve, he had collected $1,275.

The Toys for Tots organization delivered a truckload of toys to the Jones County Department of Family and Children Services that day, and Collins was there to assist the DFCS workers with filling orders for local families.

The halls and several rooms of the agency were full of Santa’s helpers matching children’s lists with the toys received. Collins was at the DFCS office most of the day Tuesday and Wednesday and left with a real appreciation of the work that goes into helping others.

Jones County DFCS provided Christmas for 200 families this year with Collins’ help. He will write an essay about the entire project, which will be reviewed by the District BSA Board. If all goes well, he will be awarded the designation of Eagle Scout in January or February.

Collins said he chose the Toys for Tots project because he wanted to do something to help people directly. He is 17 and a senior at JCHS. “I enjoyed doing it,” he said, and added that he plans to join the Marines after he graduates.

“I’ve always thought about it, and now that I am of age I want to do it,” Collins said.

DFCS case worker Marcy Berry said Collins’ project helped to make up for what they did not receive from the Salvation Army this year.

“They couldn’t help like they have in the past. Between Josh’s project and our local sponsors, we will be able to help everyone. The community and civic clubs really came through this year,” she added.