Philip Maxwell Aftuck, 18, has earned the highest award in Boy Scouts.He earned his Eagle Rank by collecting toys and books for the children who attend Hope House in Union City. Hope House is a non-profit organization that specializes in giving respite care to medically fragile children with special needs. This enables their families or caregivers to take occasional breaks from the daily demands involved with caring for someone who cannot care for themselves. Respite also gives an opportunity for families to enjoy activities that they cannot participate in when their special needs children are with them. Hope House provides each individual child with a “vacation” of their own where they attempt to make each visit both homelike and special. This is all provided at no cost to the family.

For his project Philip made presentations to several area businesses informing them about Hope House so that he could obtain donations to purchase toys for the children. Business such as Gene Evans Ford, Lexus of South Atlanta, Barnes and Noble Book Store, Target, Wal-Mart and Focus Real Estate Company all made donations for his project. Philip was able to purchase several items for the children including; a Nintendo game, a karaoke machine, several games, books and dolls. Philip organized members from his Troop to assist him in this wonderful endeavor. Philip is a member of Troop 175 in Peachtree City which is sponsored by the Peachtree City United Methodist Church. Pictured with Philip is his Scout Master, Danny McCranie. His parents are Gary and Debbie Bowers of Peachtree City and Rod Aftuck of Atlanta.