Canyon Lake Boy Scout finishes project

Canyon Lake’s Matthew Thomas, a Boy Scout of Troop 2011, along with alumni of Pack 346 celebrated Monday the completion of Matthew’s Eagle Project at the VFW Post 1508 in Wildomar. A ribbon cutting took place to officially dedicate the project.

Matthew’s project included installing bricks for the VFW Brick Veterans Memorial and repainting the Purple Heart and Disabled Parking Spaces.

Matthew raised money for the Eagle Project by hosting a Pancake Breakfast on Halloween and by collecting and redeeming recycled items. In addition to these funds, Matthew received donations of the Bricks from Pacific Clay in Lake Elsinore.

Matthew Thomas poses at the parking space he and his volunteers painted at the VFW Post 1508 as part of his Boy Scout Eagle Project. The project included painting the spots and installing bricks to honor veterans. Photo by Susan Gamble

Other donations and discounts for supplies from the project came from ACE Hardware Wildomar, Lowes Murrieta, Grocery Outlet Wildomar, Albertsons, Costco and DeJongs Dairy.

The cost of the project was a little over $1,200 not including the donated bricks and discounted materials. All excess money raised was donated to the VFW for the brick plaque projects.

As part of the requirements for the Eagle Scout Award, Scouts are to plan and lead a community service project.  Matthew received approval for his project in August and raised money between September and October.

In December, Matthew completed the laying of the bricks for his project, but because of rain, the painting of the parking spaces was delayed until January. Over 330 total hours were put in by volunteers to complete the project of which Matthew personally donated over 55 hours.

Canyon Lake’s Matthew Thomas works with others installing bricks at the VFW Post 1508 in Wildomar as part of his Boy Scout Eagle Project. The bricks will have individual plaques installed on them to honor veterans.

The VFW will be selling plaques in the future to recognize Veterans. These plaques will be placed on individual bricks.