Catholic youth spreads gift of life in Eagle Scout project

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
July 24, 2003

A Nativity parishioner gave the Siouxland Community Blood Bank something to cheer about.

As his Eagle Scout project for Boys Scout Troop 221, Dan Locke planned a blood drive which was held on June 30 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Nativity Church Parish Center.

"I asked friends, family and people in my scout troop come and to ask others to donate," said Locke. "We also put posters up to advertise for people to come."

In all there were 40 people who registered and 31 full units of blood given during the drive. A few people were in the double red. By the end of the day, about 34 or 35 units of blood were donated to the Siouxland Community Blood Bank to help the community. Locke himself gave blood to help in the cause as well.

"I feel like a better person by giving back to my community," said Locke. He also commented that helping people that are in danger of losing their lives is one way he is glad that he can contribute.

It took Dan about two months to get the project planned. The project was one of the final stages for him to receive his Eagle Scout.

"Well I had planned to lay a brick walkway at a retirement home, but they decided not to do that until next year and I had to do my project before my 18th birthday," said Locke. "I am almost 18, so I gave the blood bank a call. They said, 'yes, this is a great idea, let's give it a try.'"

Locke will receive his Eagle Scout at a ceremony in a couple of months. He has some last minute paper work that needs to be filled out and merit badges to be turned in before he can say he is an Eagle Scout officially. All of these things go through the local Scout office in Omaha and then to the national board to make sure he has what he needs to become an Eagle Scout.

As a student at East High School in Sioux City, Locke is also involved in many other activities such as a photographer for the yearbook, in show choir, on stage crew and large group speech.