For the Reporter

Life Scout Zachary Daniels – with the help of his fellow Scouts, friends and family – gave back to a local nonprofit organization on Dec. 27-29.

Daniels, 16, was born three months premature and weighed 2 pounds, 14 ounces. He received physical, speech and occupational therapy until he was 3 years old at Children’s Therapy Center (CTC) on Kent East Hill.

While preparing for his Eagle Scout Project, Daniels, of Boy Scout Troop 406 (inset photo), decided to work with CTC and give back to the organization that helped him when he was younger. After a few meetings with David Buckles, CTC’s facility manager, they came up with an appropriate project that would allow Daniels to lead a worthwhile effort that would benefit the organization at its new Burien location.

The project included removing carpet and underlayment in a 1,500-square-foot office, disposing of the debris and then installing new underlayment that will not squeak. The 15 volunteers worked faster than expected on day one, so on the second day, three more rooms were added for demolition. More than 180 volunteer hours were donated on the project.

As part of his requirements, Daniels contacted local businesses and organizations to donate materials and goods to achieve his $1,200 fundraising goal.

“I wanted to do this project, so more kids can get the help they need,” Daniels said.

His project helped CTC save money to use toward helping more kids on the wait list to see a therapist.

In 2013, in the Chief Seattle Council, which serves more than 24,404 Scouts, only 453 Boy Scouts earned their Eagle rank. From 1912 to 2013, more than 2.7 million Boy Scouts nationwide have earned their Eagle Scout rank.

CTC, a local nonprofit started in 1979, now serves more than 3,200 families, but still has a waiting list of more than 600 kids. CTC serves kids from birth to 18 years old.

Troop 406, formed in 1955, is chartered by the Kent-Meridian Kiwanis Club. The troop meets at Scenic Hill Elementary in Kent.