Marion House

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO (Colorado Springs Gazette) - Even though Ian Snatchko was a bit skittish the first time he volunteered at the Marian House, he now brightens up when he talks about working with the homeless.

“They’re fun to talk to,” he said. “They have a lot of interesting stories.”

So when it came time for the 16-year-old to organize his volunteer project to become an Eagle Scout, he knew immediately where he wanted to help.

While many teenagers his age were watching football games on Sunday, Ian and his crew of five teenage boys spent their afternoon installing plastic paneling on the walls of the family dining room of the soup kitchen. He’s been planning the project for more than a year.

He originally wanted to build a flag pole out front, but when that idea didn’t pan out, organizers at the Marian House suggested installing plastic paneling on the walls to protect them when they are bumped by tables and chairs. The $2,000 price tag for the project was a bit steep for a 16-year-old to raise, but then Home Depot gave the soup kitchen a grant. Home Depot workers installed the plastic paneling in the main dining room but didn’t have enough time to finish the small family dining room in the soup kitchen. Ian decided that would be his Eagle Scout project. He got permission from the Marian House and also submitted a report to his troop on the project. The first report was sent back dripping with red ink, said his mom, Kate Snatchko. He worked on another one, submitted it and had the same result.

“He’s a math kid. He hates writing,” she said. “He had to work hard to get in the finished draft.”

His project was accepted, and he raised the extra $100 needed on supplies by mowing lawns over the summer. He cajoled and pleaded with friends and troop members to help him out during a Broncos game.

Kyle Gruenhagen, 16, said he liked doing the work and didn’t mind missing the game on television.

“As long as we can hear it on the radio, I’m fine,” he said.

On Sunday, Ian was just happy to see the project he worked so long on come to fruition – especially since it was at a place he cares about.

“I’m just glad I can help,” he said.

Copyright 2009 Colorado Springs Gazette
Updated 563 hours ago   Article ID# 163633

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