By Daily Press staff
A local community center is a little greener this month, thanks to Michael Soneff, a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 223 who earned his rank of Eagle Scout this month by repainting St. Joseph Center’s Lincoln Boulevard Thrift Store a deep shade of pine.
Soneff, 15, marshaled a crew of 15 troop members, his parents and grandfather to assist with the endeavor. Erik Jorgensborg, owner of Fisher Hardware and Lumber in Venice, donated $328 worth of green paint, and Soneff’s family donated more than $260 in supplies.
Getting as much green on the building as on their clothes, Soneff and other volunteers spent three weeks prepping, priming and painting.
“I think it was the first time any of (the kids) had ever painted anything,” said Ann Kelly, Soneff’s mom.
To earn the rank of Eagle Scout, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership and outdoor skills, and plan and complete a community service project.
After years of hard work, Soneff has achieved a lifetime honor only attained by 4 percent of all Boy Scouts. Soneff and his family were introduced to St. Joseph Center through the Parish of St. Matthew. St. Joseph Center is a nonprofit organization that provides homeless and working poor individuals and families with the tools and resources they need to work toward greater self-sufficiency.
The thrift store not only helps generate revenue for the agency, but offers clients vouchers for free clothing and household goods.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 19, 2006. Read the original PDF.