Immanuel Lutheran Property Spruced Up by Eagle Scout Project

Two garages at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Elmhurst, and the area around them, were in dire need of maintenance. The garages were moldy with peeling paint, and weeds were growing around them. Eagle Scout candidate Brian Schiff, a Boy Scout with Troop 17 in Elmhurst and a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, welcomed the opportunity to serve.

Brian organized more than 30 volunteers from the community to complete the project over a two-day period last month. He made requests and presentations to various organizations asking for help, including York High School National Honor Society, members of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Boy Scout Troop 17, York High School Key Club and various family members and friends. 

“These volunteers really worked hard," Brian said. "They used wheelbarrows to haul away the yard waste, climbed ladders to paint the garages, pulled weeds, power-washed siding, used chain saws to cut up trees and a lot more. I really appreciate all their efforts."

Volunteers included York Key Club members Haley Stewart, Travis Parr and Hannah Widmaier; the Scardone family; the Parr Family; Debbie Hamp; the Chaltin family; and Cynde LaFaire, Robert Tomaska, Victor Schollenberger, Charlie Pomrehn, Alex Bliss, John Bliss, Jason Prigg, David Prigg and John Morgan.

“This Eagle Project required Brian to utilize and further develop his leadership skills. We are very proud of his accomplishment,” Boy Scout Troop 17 Scoutmaster Jason Prigg said. 

“Brian’s organizational skills, from coordinating changes in the project and the volunteers, to doing all the fund-raising, were outstanding," said Paul Trettin, principal at Immanuel Lutheran School. "We are very thankful for his hard work. Our school and church will benefit from this project for many years to come,” 

Donations to help offset some of the costs. 

“Asking for donations was challenging, but it just makes me even more appreciative of the donations we did receive,” Brian said. 

Donations were received from Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Mama Maria’s Pizza, Aldi, Community Bank of Elmhurst, Fifth Third Bank, The Parr Family, The Cifelli Family, Bernhard and Renate Bass, Vi Baaske, Cynde LaFaire, Barbara and Bernie Schiff and Amanda Illiadis. 

Tools were also lent by the Parr Family, the Gunther Family, the McMillan Family and the Scardone Family.

“The success of my Eagle Project is the result of many people. I am so appreciative of all their support,” Brian said. 

When asked about his favorite part of the project, Brian said it was going to church the next Sunday.

"People not only noticed how nice the garages looked but also thanked me," he said. "Not only was all the work worth it for me and my Eagle rank, but I also know that I have helped make a big improvement for my church.”