Bakersfield.com

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If you ask Michael McCarthy III about his life, he will tell you “I have been given everything I needed from my parents, and I live comfortably in a neighborhood where the nights are quiet and the front lawns perfectly trimmed.”  That is why to complete his Leadership Service Project for Eagle Scout honors, McCarthy wanted to step out and give back. 

And give back he did.  Working with the Hispanic ministries division of the First Presbyterian Church, McCarthy delivered Christmas trees, presents, and organized caroling for several local families and residents of Rosewood Retirement Home.  While the project was completed during Christmas 2006, McCarthy hopes the lessons learned will encourage others to volunteer this year by reaching out to strangers or visiting relatives that may be shut-in and immobile.

McCarthy – a senior at Bakersfield High School -- mailed a solicitation letter to friends and businesses, which raised over $1200.  He garnered fifteen, six-foot noble firs through the generous donation of Liberty Christian Church.  With the money and trees ready to go, McCarthy bought ornaments and gifts.

Beginning the first week of December, McCarthy took Christmas to families in need over the course of three weeks.  Upon their arrival, the young men set up a tree and helped the family decorate it.  McCarthy and members of his troop sang Christmas carols together with the families and read from the scripture.  Each family or individual was also given $25 in gifts.   At the end of the holiday season, McCarthy arranged for the trees to be picked up and recycled.  The project required nearly 200 man-hours.

The main requirement to an Eagle Scout Project is that the candidate must demonstrate leadership. McCarthy’s project not only shows leadership, but it epitomizes volunteerism and reaching out to strangers.  Says McCarthy, “I learned better phone communication skills and budgeting.  Most importantly, I wanted to make a difference in the live of others.  I hope people will contact their local school or church this holiday season and see how they can make a difference.”

Michael McCarthy III is active in school and runs cross-county and track.  His favorite classes are English and chemistry.  Heavily influenced by his pediatrician, Dr. Tool, he hopes to attend UC Davis and get a degree in medicine to eventually be a doctor.