10.31.08
Boy Scout crafts and donates picnic tables
to substance abuse recovery homes
Sheridan, Wyo. -- A 17-year-old Sheridan High School junior donated two hand-crafted, cedar picnic tables were donated to Volunteers of America’s Substance Abuse Recovery Homes.
Michael Leibrich isn’t just playing football and watching TV after school. Leibrich, a Boy Scout with troop #117, is working toward Eagle Scout status and has been working on his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project and the results are in – two hand-crafted cedar picnic tables donated to Volunteers of America’s Substance Abuse Recovery Homes.
The tables come as a result of his own conceptualization, fundraising and crafting. The goal is to create a project from start-to-finish that will benefit the community in order to reach Eagle Scout status.
Leibrich had heard about the Recovery Homes through his father, Robert Leibrich, who serves as chairman on the Board of Directors for Volunteers of America.
“I noticed that the houses didn’t have any outdoor furniture,” Leibrich said. “I thought it would be nice for someone if there were having troubles inside the house to have a place to go and relax.”
The tables are now part of the Substance Abuse Recovery Homes, which serve men and women in the community who have completed substance abuse treatment and are working to re-enter the community.
“It is incredibly generous and remarkable for Michael to make Volunteers of America part of his project,” said Jeff Holsinger, President and CEO for Volunteers of America Wyoming & Montana. “The beautiful picnic tables are a great addition to the homes and I know the residents truly appreciate them. We are incredibly proud of the work he has accomplished.”
To accomplish the project, Leibrich had to first present the project to receive approval, meet with members of Volunteers of America to plan the project, and utilize resources, including other scouts, to complete the tables.
To demonstrate leadership, Leibrich organized the lumber and tools prior to his fellow scouts’ arrival. Once there, he explained each step in detail to the other scouts before measuring, sawing and constructing the tables.
“I think they turned out pretty good,” Leibrich said. “I hope they will make the outdoors more enjoyable for residents at the homes.”
“The project and end result show true initiative and thought,” Holsinger said. “Michael chose a unique way to give back to the community and the development and passing on of leadership is very apparent.”
Leibrich received donations and funding for the project from Charley and Penny Whiton, First Interstate Bank, Bloedorn Lumber, and Doug and Rachel Hostetler.
Leibrich’s troop leader is Mike Brown. Leibrich is the son of Robert and LaDonna Leibrich of Sheridan.
For more information on Volunteers of America Wyoming & Montana, visit www.voawymt.org.