The recent events in our country have indelibly imprinted on our hearts an appreciation and respect for people who choose careers protecting others. Our American military, firefighters, police and emergency medical personnel have become out truest heroes as we've watched their devotion to God and country played out in their acts of self-sacrifice. A call I received the other day made me realize another group is learning to embody the same ideals as our men and women of valor. It is those youth in Boy and Girl Scouts of America. My phone call was from Boy Scout Chris Chilveatto, who is working toward becoming an Eagle Scout. Chilveatto is embarking on his Eagle Scout project, in his case collecting used prescription eyeglasses for the Southern Eye Bank. The collection of these glasses is one of the most important recycling efforts. I know how I'm always grabbing from my reading glasses. This project makes glasses available for people who cannot afford to buy them. Chilveatto is appealing to Terrytowners and other West Bankers to find old glasses they no longer use and drop them off at the collection boxes at Walgreens drugstores in Terrytown; Folse Pharmacy at 4116 Fourth St., Marrero; or Russo's Pharmacy at 7902 LA 23, Belle Chase.

Some residents already may have bags left at their door by Chilveatto. If you place glasses in the bags, he will collect them from your doorstep Dec. 15 starting at 9 a.m. Chilveatto, a Brother Martin High School senior, is a member of Troop 378, which meets at Gretna United Methodist Church. You May remember the troop was once sponsored by Terrytown American Legion Post, whose number the boys took. When the need for more space necessitated a move, the troop moved with our legionaries' blessing. My guess is that Chilveatto is getting a hand from other members of his troop in completing his project. Cooperation is just one of the many terrific values that Scouting teaches. Honesty, fairness, courage, strength, patriotism, and service to God and country are others. Adults are needed to work in Scouting and not just as troop leaders. There are many tasks that make Scouting successful including providing transportation, office duties and recruitment. If you can donate your time, call the Girl Scouts at 733-8220 or the Boy Scouts at 889-0388. And let's not miss an opportunity to let a Scout know that we admire and respect his or her efforts.