By Nick Sestanovich

For his Eagle Project, Kevin McLarty of Benicia Troop 8 is planning to earn his wings as an Eagle Scout by organizing a book drive Sunday for the children of Kenya.

A senior at Benicia High School, McLarty has been a scout practically his entire life. He joined the Cub Scouts at a young age and has been a member of the Boy Scouts since sixth grade, earning the rank of Life Scout.

As he prepares to graduate from high school, McLarty is aiming to earn the title of Eagle Scout, the highest possible rank in the Boy Scouting program. To achieve the rank, a Scout generally has to be a Life Scout for at least six months, earn a minimum rank of 21 merit badges, demonstrate Scout Spirit and leadership, undergo a review process and be in charge of a service project, known as an Eagle Project. For his final project, McLarty opted to perform a philanthropic task: organizing a book drive for materials to be donated to the poverty-stricken neighborhoods of Kibera, Kenya.

Source: Benicia High School senior organizes book drive for Kenyan children