His Eagle Scout Project merits attention

Matthew Caiazza is all about helping people.

The Life Scout from Boy Scout Troop 139 in Howard Beach is currently galvanizing local students – and the community in general – to help send care packages to U.S. Marines serving in Afghanistan.

The genesis of the idea for his Eagle Scout Project, which will benefit AnyMarine.com, came from his own home – dad Oscar, 45, was a Marine.

“He would tell me how he liked getting care packages from my mom and letters from schools,” said Matthew.

With that in mind, Matthew began asking local schools for donations of non-perishable foods. He then made up fliers and coordinated care package drives at P.S./M.S .207, Ave Maria Catholic Academy and St. Helen’s.

“[The packages] make the Marines feel at home and I decided to make those serving in Afghanistan feel at home,” Matthew told The Courier.

And to get the whole community involved, the Scholars’ Academy student has even organized a care package drive for this Saturday May 7, at the Waldbaum’s located on Cross Bay Boulevard. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Scouts will be near the entrance to the store handing out fliers.

Matthew also sent out letters to the community asking for assistance to raise the funds to cover the shipping costs.

“Each box costs $12.95 to ship, and my goal is to ship a minimum of 50 boxes,” he explained.

So far, he has received donations from City Councilmember Eric Ulrich, Senator Joseph Addabbo, Assemblymember Audrey Pheffer, and also from many businesses in the community.

“I appreciate all Eagle Scout projects because a lot benefit the community and people,” said Addabbo. “I try to invest as much time and energy as I can.

“But this one struck me a little differently,” he continued. “Veterans are in dire need of the essentials we take for granted every day. For Matthew to do this means he was thinking globally. My donation was a drop in the ocean – what I have done in my little way he is doing in a big way, helping our troops.”

For Matthew – who has 66 merit badges, a record in Troop 139 — the Scouts “gave me a vision, taught me leadership.”

“After I finish Scouting,” he said, “I plan on staying and getting Eagle Palms,” said the aspiring pharmacist, whose twin brother is collecting hearing aids and eyeglasses for New Eyes for the Needy as his Eagle Scout Project.

Mom Barbara couldn’t be more proud.

“They came up with good ideas,” she said of her sons. “The Scouts get them out there so they see the way the real world is. It also instills good values and taught them to give back, which is a good thing.”

Matthew said that the list of items includes:

Travel size

Soap

Hand sanitizer

Disposable razors

Shampoo

Toothpaste/toothbrush

Mouthwash

Baby wipes

Deodorant

Chap Stick

Individually wrapped items