Local Eagle Scout raises $6K to help foster kids

Aidan McClendon, a Phoenix-area 13 year-old Boy Scout, was angered by a story his mother told him about the hardships of foster children and decided to take action.

As part of his project to become an Eagle Scout, Aidan created a GoFundMe page with a goal of raising $4,000 to purchase large duffel bags for the children.

In the end, the fundraising project earned more than $6,000, including money from contributions at a local farm stand.

The money was used to purchase 176 duffel bags,  soap holders, toothbrushes, combs, travel kits, new pillows, new pillowcases, blankets and toothbrush holders.

The bags were filled with the items and donated to the Arizona Department of Child Safety, who distributed them to foster children around the Valley.

As quoted by KTAR, Arizona Department of Child Safety Director Greg McKay said people of all ages can learn a thing or two from Aidan.

“We at DCS cannot do this alone,” he said. “We need the entire community to come together (and) help our children. We need young men like Aidan to lead the way.”