Benjamin Shanks, a local Boy Scout from Troop 22 in Woodland Hills, California, is leading a garden drive for Valley Village as part of his Eagle Scout Project. Ben first learned about Valley Village when his dad, Michael, volunteered at Valley Village through his work at Bank of America. “We had the wonderful opportunity volunteering at a St. Patrick’s Day event for Valley Village a few years ago. I also live in the same neighborhood as the Valley Village main office.” When he was thinking about what he wanted to do for his Eagle Scout Project, Valley Village was the first place that came to mind. Ben said, “I am excited about the opportunity and to help my community.”

Here is a video of Ben and his dad Michael talking about the project and how they got involved with Valley Village.

 

Ben’s Eagle Scout project is a garden drive for Valley Village. He is organizing the garden drive for Valley Village’s eighteen group homes and their residents. Ben’s goal is for all 18 group homes to have beautiful gardens. The gardens will be the basis for engaging, therapeutic activities for the Valley Village residents. “I will begin fundraising soon to secure my budget and then acquire the plants, seeds, soil, and gardening tools,” explains Shanks. Valley Village will distribute the donations to the eighteen group homes. All donations will go to Valley Village.

Currently attending El Camino Real Charter High School (ECR), Ben is a sophomore and plans on one day becoming a dermatologist. Ben joined Cub Scouts in first grade and graduated into Boy Scouts in 6th grade. He is on the water polo and swim teams at ECR. He also enjoys mountain biking and playing Minecraft in his spare time. “Playing sports has taught me determination and a hard work mindset which is perfect for being a Boy Scout.

Ben has created a GoFundMe page where community members can support his project financially.  Visit Ben’s GoFundMe page to contribute to the gardening project that benefits the eighteen Valley Village group homes and their residents.