An aspiring Eagle Scout wants to help kids in the foster care system

In order to become an Eagle Scout you have to complete an extensive project that shows leadership skills—usually things like building bookshelves or organizing a blood drive. Malachi Saint, a 15 year old from Jefferson City, Missouri, set his sights even higher for his project.

Saint wanted to help children in the foster care system in his local community by raising money to support the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association. He set an ambitious goal to raise $10,000, and was met with some initial doubt from the Eagle Board of Review, who needed to give final approval on the project.

What the Eagle Board of Review soon learned was that this mission meant more to Saint than the average Eagle Scout project.

Saint went through the foster care system as a child, leaving him with the urge to help others in similar situations, and he saw his Eagle Scout project as an opportunity to do just that.

“I feel like my whole life I’ve wanted people to have better than I’ve had,” he said in an interview.

The donation—which his family believes will surpass his goal—will go toward the organization’s Begin Again Backpack program. This provides children who are transitioning in and out of foster care with backpacks filled with basic needs like clothes and school supplies.

DeAnna Alonso, President and CEO of CMFCAA, says the entire organization is extremely proud of Malachi.

“Because of his experience and strength he was able to connect with others from the same situation. Malachi is a true child advocate and his genuine desire to be a conduit for hope is contagious.”