Eagle Scout Project Includes Fundraiser
Weston • Platte County • Missouri
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Vincent Merritt has only to complete his final project to earn his Eagle Scout badge. His project is a costly one, repainting the BNSF Caboose at City Hall. In addition, the caboose needs weather proofing on the roof and new decals.
The caboose was moved to its location in 2008 and was repainted at that time. It was donated by Ray and Edna Kirk and Ray Kirk, Jr. in memory of their son/brother who was a Burlington Northern/Santa Fe engineer.
He was killed in a crash on Hwy 45 south of Beverly while on his way to work. His co-workers at BNSF raised money for that paint job and completed the work.
The Eagle Project shows how the Scout takes on planning and leadership. Vincent has arranged for Roger Gascione to engrave historic bricks to help raise money for the project and for on-going maintenance of the caboose.
“It’s something I want to do for my Eagle,”Vincent said. “I want to do it to help out the Kirks, the city and Ed’s BNSF colleagues.”
If you missed out on having a brick for yourself or family when the train station was moved in 1999, this is your chance to add a brick to the walkway.
To be finished this summer, Vincent needs to raise the money quickly, either from purchases of bricks or direct donations.
Donations can be made to the “Kirk Caboose” Gofundme page.
You can also make a donation or buy a brick, making your check payable to “Kirk Caboose,” and send to Vincent Merritt, 18315 Lober Road, Weston, MO 64098. For the brick, fill out the form below and send with a check for $100.
If you would like to volunteer, text your name and number to 816-213-1539 and you’ll be contacted with it’s time to paint!