Eagle Scouts create care packages for foster children

Local Eagle Scout helps foster children
Thompson, Kathy. Zanesville Times Recorder, Aug. 29, 2008.

ZANESVILLE - A local Eagle Scout has introduced a project that will help foster children throughout Muskingum County.

John Hanifan, 17, has had friends in the foster care program in the county and thought one way to help ease their pain and fear when taken out of their homes and placed in a foster home was to have a "Comfort Bag."

"We're filling them with age appropriate items to make them feel more comfortable," Hanifan said. "I know about fear and grief and I just wanted to help them and hope that this project will continue."

Hanifan contacted the Muskingum County Children's Services and asked if he could donate the bags for the approximately 100 children that come into foster care a year.

"We were delighted to have such a young man show so much concern for the children of this county," said Lisa Wayt, coordinator of the foster care program. "We have some kits that we give the children when they first enter foster care that we receive through generous donations, but these are very appreciated."

Wayt said Hanifan has put his own "special touch" to the bags.

"John loves art and he's made sure that's all included," Wayt said. "This is something that's never been done in this area."

Hanifan said while some of the project started out as a way to help foster children, it is also a tribute to his late grandfather, Frank Hanifan, who started Boy Scout Troop 164. John Hanifan started his scouting career with that same troop.

"I know what loss is about after my grandfather died," Hanifan said. "I wanted to do something that he would have been proud of, too."

The Comfort Bags will be for four different age groups - infants to age three, ages four to eight, ages nine to 13 and ages 14 to 17.

Each bag is filled with not only hygiene items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, but coloring books, journals, books, art supplies, games, puzzles and stuffed animals.

"We found a company in Newark that is making these dolls stuffed with rice that you put in a microwave, heat and then give to a baby," Hanifan said. "They are really neat and the babies love them."

Wayt said Hanifan has gone to businesses across the county and even ventured out into the region getting donations for the bags.

Hanifan said he's been amazed at how eager businesses and people in the community are to help.

"It just shows that the people in this community are eager to come together and help each other," Hanifan said. "Being in scouting has taught me life learning lessons like how to cook, camp, fish and first aid. But I guess the best it's taught me is that people out there really care and want to help."

Hanifan was able to use his scouting practices just recently when a cousin fell 12 feet off his grandmother's roof and landed on a concrete patio.

Hanifan had the victim calm and stable by the time EMS personnel arrived at the scene and was given an acclamation by the squad for his quick response.

Hanifan is hoping that by the end of September he has at least 90 bags to give to Children's Services.

"It really means that I have to get my troop together and we have to fill these bags," Hanifan said.

Hanifan said his dream is that another troop in another area picks up the idea.

"I'd also love it if my troop can keep this going," Hanifan said. "I've planted the dream. I just hopes it grows."

If anyone would like to donate to the Comfort Bag Program, please call Hanifan at 740-454-7483.