Christian Service Center to benefit from Eagle Scout project

Joshua Listi is one step closer to earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
Listi, the son of Carrie and John Listi, is a 17-year-old senior at Vermilion Catholic High School. He has been in scouting, both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, for the past 10 years.
Joshua is currently ranked a Life Scout in the Evangeline Area Council Boy Scout Troop 85 in Vermilion Parish.
On Aug. 22, Joshua completed his Eagle Scout Project in order to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America program.
Since its inception in 1911, only six percent of Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process.
Joshua’s Eagle Scout project consisted of building picnic tables for the Christian Service Center in Abbeville, Louisiana. The Christian Service Center serves groceries and hot meals to needy families in Vermilion Parish.
Currently, the amount of seating inside the Café building and under the pavilion is insufficient for the number of people the Center serves.
With the help of donors, volunteers, and fellow Troop 85 Boy Scouts, they were able to build six 8-foot long picnic tables.
Joshua explained where he got the idea to build the tables.
“Back in November when I went to CSC to help serve, I noticed the overflow sitting outside under the pavilion with plates in their laps and
sitting on the ground even,” said Joshua. “I didn’t like that. I felt we could give them a more dignified place to sit and eat. Seeing the project come together and seeing the finished product is so awesome! I am really grateful to have the ability to do this. I hope it makes a difference.”
These tables will provide additional seating and dining space in the outdoor pavilion area for the patrons of Christian Service Center to use for years to come.
Joshua’s Eagle Scout Project was delayed for five months due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, he thought about how he could help the patrons, volunteers, and staff of the CSC remain safe during this pandemic.
Joshua went above and beyond just building the picnic tables for the Christian Service Center.
Since there were donation funds leftover from the picnic table fundraising, Joshua custom ordered and purchased a five foot long aluminum sink/handwashing station from DeHart Shipyard.
He was also able to hire a plumber, Jude Gooch, to install a water line and pipes to the outdoor sink.
The donations also allowed Joshua to purchase and install a soap and paper towel dispenser from Vermilion Janitorial. And finally, Casey White of Cajun Kutz, donated rocks to be laid under the sink to maintain a proper foundation. This outdoor hand washing station was placed under the pavilion as well, and will allow the patrons to wash their hands before receiving their meals and remain safe during this pandemic.
The work day for the Eagle Scout Project was successfuldue to an outpouring of generosity from several local businesses. Gulf Coast Bank, Abbeville Electric, Bank of Abbeville, and many friends and family members made donations towards the project.
Lowes of Abbeville donated safety goggles and work gloves for the workday. Lowes also donated face masks, rubber gloves, and hand sanitizer for the staff at the CSC to use while serving food daily to the patrons. Subway of Abbeville, Robies, Super-1 Foods, and Meche’s Donuts also donated breakfast, lunch, water, and snacks for the workers and volunteers to enjoy during the workday.
The project was largely successful due to the help and guidance Joshua received from his project coach, Dominic Listi.
With his help, Joshua was able to lead the volunteers and guide in the construction of the picnic tables. Dominic Listi of LISCO helped to provide the skills and tools for the project. LISCO also helped supply the lumber and materials, along with Minvielle Lumber Company.
Joshua said he is proud of the completion of his Eagle Scout Project and it wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity and support of the local community.
Joshua will soon be completing his Eagle Scout Board of Review as his final step in the process of becoming an Eagle Scout.