[December 11, 2012]    

A few weeks ago, LDN brought readers a story about Joshua Henderson and his efforts to make Christmas a little brighter for some children who have suffered great losses this year.

Henderson was working toward his Eagle Scout designation, and in order to qualify he needed to take on the leadership role in a project that would benefit others. He had to work solely with not-for-profit collection sites and could not accept cash donations.  So, he and his team set up collection boxes in some area churches and schools. He designed a pamphlet that the team passed out explaining the drive, and he spoke to churches about the need in Harrisburg.

In the end, Henderson collected over 800 items to be given to Harrisburg children. On Dec. 2 he delivered the toys to a grateful community. In Harrisburg the local newspaper covered the story of Henderson's gift, and the link is available to LDN readers by clicking here.

As a last step in Henderson's journey, he wrote a special thank-you to those who helped him in his drive. His note appears below:

I would like to take this opportunity to express a great big thank you to the community and surrounding areas for the wonderful response for the toy drive. On December the 2nd I traveled 274 miles to Harrisburg. I met with the disaster recovery team that has been in place since the February 29th tornado, received an update about reconstruction efforts and delivered the 800 toys that were collected as a part of my Eagle Scout project.

A special thank you to the following collection organizations: First Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Zion Lutheran Church, West Lincoln-Broadwell School, Lincoln Junior High School, and Mrs. Wunderlin’s class at Washington-Monroe School. The project was a great success because of the generosity of the community.

Joshua Henderson

Pictures by Joshua and his father; Pastor Robert Henderson

Joshua Henderson stands with the over 800 items collected for children in tornado-ravaged Harrisburg.

The community was hit hard early this year by a tornado that destroyed many homes and left many families in need of some of life's more basic things. 

Joshua and members of his team as they work to load the van with toys.  Pictured left to right are Griffin Jodlowski, Joshua, Hayden Sanborn and Carter McCraith

 

After a 274-mile drive, Joshua arrives in  Harrisburg

Joshua and Sharon Behnke-Fleege, case manager working with Project STORM, as she finalizes the delivery.