Scout Assembles Care Packages to Earn Eagle Scout Status

Avera Queen of Peace Cancer Center

Fifteen year old Jacob Pecenka, a student at Mitchell High School, worked on earning his Eagle Scout status since January of this year. He gathered donations of cash, time, talents and items to assemble care packages for cancer patients. Jacob's mother, Paula, was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago and Jacob knew what had helped his mom feel comfortable, so he included those items in the care packages.

Jacob’s contribution included 23 comfort item bags for men, women and kids, along with 50 fleece pillows to help cancer patients feel more comfortable when receiving therapy, traveling and at home. Jacob raised funds and also donated personal finances to cover the $400 cost of the project. He estimates that over 200 hours were donated for this project.