Hi, I'm Liam Lynch from Troop 102 in Edina, MN. For my Eagle Project I will assemble & install Buddy Benches for John Paul II, in Northeast Minneapolis. The scholars at JPII come from all different types of backgrounds. 72% are English Language Learners. These benches are a universal symbol to all kids that it's a place to sit when you're feeling lonely or need a buddy to play with...and another classmate will join you on the bench so you're not alone. That's how friendships begin.

I will assemble the Buddy Benches from Polywood material. The recyclable lumber is made in the USA from reusable plastics with a zero-waste mindset. There's a 20-year warranty on the lumber and it won't splinter, rot, crack or chip, even in our MN weather conditions.

There are three ways to get involved:

1) Help me collect 1,000 pieces of #2 HDPE plastic, like milk jugs and shampoo bottles (look for the "2" recycling symbol). With 1,000 piece collected, Polywood will discount the cost of materials. I can collect your donations at our Troop meetings or pick up if you are in the Minneapolis area.

2) Consider a financial donation.

3) Do both, help me recycle plastic and give financially.

I really appreciate your consideration. The Buddy Benches will help foster friendships and strengthen the community.

Thank you,

Liam Lynch

Troop 102

Update - Thank you to everyone who donated. I have reached my fundraising and jug-collecting goals! Now I am on to getting the benches.