Boy Scout gets in swing of volunteering

Thanks to local Boy Scout Patrick Davis, children staying at Families in Crisis will now be able to enjoy some fun and healthy activities on the playground equipment he and his fellow scouts installed as part of his Eagle Scout project.

Davis? original project proposal, presented prior to the actual construction, perhaps best explains his reasons for undertaking this particular project.

?The McMinnville Families in Crisis center is a very important organization for the city of McMinnville. This center provides a safe refuge for families with serious problems not many people understand,? Davis wrote. ?Lots of these families come to the center with younger children, and right now there is not much of anything for these children to do in their safe, gated area. I feel that my project will benefit the community by providing these children, who through no fault of their own must stay at the shelter, with an opportunity to get outside, have fun and get some exercise.?

Davis, a member of Troop 631, says a big part of any Eagle Scout project is developing organization and leadership skills, and that?s why these projects are very much a cooperative effort. Scouts have to learn how to develop a plan, form work teams, get the materials together and organize the actual work involved in completing the project.

?I went around town and asked for donations from businesses around McMinnville,? Davis said, noting that some businesses supplied not only materials, but actually helped with the work, such as sewing together the canvas used as shade for the playground.

Davis started the project last July and recently completed it. Though he isn?t officially an Eagle Scout yet, Davis says he is currently finishing up his paperwork to complete the process.

According to Families in Crisis executive director Sheila Lee, the colorful playground equipment has been a big hit with the kids.

?It?s really wonderful,? Lee said. ?We appreciate this so much. The kids play on it all the time now. It really means a lot.?

Which is exactly what Davis hoped to accomplish.

?I felt it would be a great benefit for the kids staying at Families in Crisis,? Davis said. ?It gives them a break, eases the tension and makes their situation a little bit better.?

Davis wanted to thank all the businesses, organizations and friends who helped with his project, including Boy Scouts Ben Davis, J.C. Maddux, David Maddux, Brad Parker, Micah Rowland and Eagle Scouts Morgan Gonder and John Atnip. The crew was also aided by adult former scouts Bill Davis and Johnny Atnip. Rufus Gonder also offered assistance with the project.

Businesses and organizations include the Evening Exchange Club, Middle Tennessee Building Supplies, Pioneer Building Supply, Underwood True Value Hardware, 84 Lumber, Ace Hardware, Morton?s Horticulture Products, Lee?s Auto Upholstery, Gateway Tire and Tractor Supply.

?I just really wanted to say thank you to everyone for their donations and hard work,? Davis said. ?They were really great, and I couldn?t have done this without their help.?