Scout donates cancer care packages to area patients

Dalton Curtis and his crew of volunteers, with their Christmas haul, at the Redington-Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan.

Dalton Curtis, 14, is a life scout of Boy Scout Troop #485, of Skowhegan, traveling on his journey to becoming an Eagle Scout.

In memory of his grandfather Frank G. James Jr., who passed away last year of cancer, Dalton decided to donate 50 cancer care packages (25 for men, and 25 for women) to the patients of the oncology department at Redington-Fairview General Hospital, in Skowhegan, the hospital where his grandfather received chemotherapy treatments in Skowhegan.

He chose the undertaking as his Eagle Scout Project. It is his way of giving back to the hospital for giving his grandfather such wonderful care. Each kit includes the following: a fleece throw, warm socks, hand sanitizer, hand lotion, tissues, a tooth brush with soft bristles, goat milk soap, lip balm (2), puzzle book with pen, a handmade bookmark, gum (no mint), chocolate, plastic utensils (the metal utensils taste bad after receiving chemotherapy), and a reusable tote bag. These kits are designed to help with side effects, and to teach others about chemotherapy as well.

Dalton typed up a letter on BSA (Boy Scouts of America) letterhead to ask for donations to purchase materials and supplies from places such as Walmart and Hannaford stores. He received donations through family and friends, he also did a fundraiser through Pampered Chef. Dalton was able to raise $600 for these kits! With the help of his troop, the Boy Scouts assembled all 50 kits, and donated them to the oncology department of Redington-Fairview General Hospital, on November 29.