Eagle Scout Gives Back in Memory of His Dad

Brett Copeland Eagle Scout

Photo caption: Eagle Scout Brett Copeland, pictured at the Treasure Chest Foundation warehouse amongst some of the tremendous assortment of brand new toys for children and teens battling cancer.

The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation recently received more than $3000.00, 500 toys and numerous gift cards thanks to the tireless work of Tinley Park teenager Brett Copeland, who earned his Eagle Scout badge as a result of the outstanding effort. Brett organized and implemented four toy drives at St. Julie Billiart Church, Tinley Park High School, Fulton School and Southwest Cook County Association for Special Education in order to attain Eagle Scout status, the highest rank attainable by members of the Boy Scouts of America. Only three percent of Boy Scouts nationwide are able to achieve the coveted Eagle Scout ranking.

When asked about his motivation for the project, Brett replied, "I know what it's like to be in the hospital a lot. I have been hospitalized twelve times in the past nine years due to epilepsy. When I was thirteen my Dad, died of cancer. I wanted to help kids with cancer in memory of him."

Colleen Kisel said "Charities are struggling and summer has always been the worse time. People are unbelievably generous in the face of what might be occurring in the economy. Because of the generosity of young people like Brett Copeland and individuals we are able to make a difference in the lives of children and teens fighting cancer in the Nation."