Hello, I am Joshua Lee, with Troop 201, and this is my Eagle Project. An Eagle Project is meant to demonstrate leadership while completing a project which benefits the community. I always wanted to find a project that would have a lasting impact in the community. I imagined that I would choose the project, but the project chose me.
I recognized the opportunity to help Starfish Project with their struggling haircutting program, provided to anyone in need. It so happened that I was there during their monthly haircutting day, held on the second Saturday of each month. I witnessed a volunteer cutting hair in front of a small foldaway table with a mirror on top, their makeshift hair cutting station– although it did have an actual barber chair. But on that day, an elderly lady sat. She was so excited to finally be able to have her hair done since it had been a while, and she left with a big smile. It made me realize that many of us take getting a haircut for granted, something we routinely have done, yet there are still many who don’t have the extra means. After the lady left, I was told about a time when 13 people sat and waited to get a haircut with only a single volunteer scheduled. However, all 13 left without a receiving a haircut as the volunteer could no longer come due to slicing her hand open. She being Starfish Project’s only volunteer for that day, there was no one to call for backup. And so, a calling, my project, was revealed…
My project consists of three parts, where it:
- Provides a durable haircutting / multi-purpose workstation. Since the haircutting program currently offers haircuts only once a month, it makes sense to provide a portable workstation so that it can be utilized for anything needed. It comes with a removable two-sided mirror, intended so that two stylists can work simultaneously.
- Supplies the workstation with two sets of haircutting equipment.
- Recruits volunteers to cut hair– and enough so that there will be backups to backups.
It’s fulfilling to have a part in fostering a program that has the ability to offer haircuts on a regular basis to those in need. Kids can receive fresh haircuts for the start of school, school pictures, maintenance, dances, confidence, etc. Similarly for adults. Whatever and regardless of their needs, a fresh cut can promote dignity and confidence.
My Eagle Project is far from finished. In fact, it has just begun, because it will continue to serve for years to come. Please continue to support the program. Money donated will go towards maintenance and upkeep of the workstation and supplies. If there are enough volunteers, there might be a need for additional workstations and days in session!
Furthermore, with more money generated from Paypal, I see so much more potential for my project to expand with the extra funds. For instance, perhaps it can help buy/rent dresses and tuxes for dances, weddings, interviews, etc. So much more potential to be had, all inspired from a fresh haircut.
Lastly, you most likely saw my flier and scanned a QR Code. Please continue to spread the word! And, if you’d like to volunteer to cut hair, please contact Joyce at (913)488-6135 or joyce@sfp21.net
Thank you all for your time and support,
Sincerely,
Joshua Lee
Life Scout hoping to earn Eagle rank from this legacy project
