By Pamela Johnson-For The Courier-Herald

For Eagle Scout Alex Engstrom, thinking outside of the box led to building a box - the Bonney Lake Lions 4 Kids House clothing receptacle.

The 17-year-old Bonney Lake High School student, who belongs to Boy Scout Troop No. 523, collected materials and helped build the clothing drop box because he wanted a unique Eagle project which touched community members directly. The Eagle project is a requirement for the Eagle Scout Award.

&#8220It's more of a meaningful effect to help people - to help kids,” Engstrom said. &#8220It's more special.”

The Scout spent most of his time in the planning stages; it took two and one-half months to collect donations and organize fellow church member volunteers. Many of the surrounding lumber businesses contributed materials.

&#8220I wasn't used to going to businesses and talking to the business people,” Engstrom said.

It took seven hours for him and six volunteers to finish the box once construction started. He spent an additional three hours with three volunteers painting the box marine blue, a color chosen to reflect the bodies of water in the surrounding area, Lake Tapps in particular. The project was completed about three weeks ago.

&#8220Right after we built it, people started using it,” Engstrom said.

The scout said he learned a lot about leadership skills and working with wood and other materials.

&#8220My favorite part was talking with Carol Wells-Reed. It's interesting to know how the box would be used and how the Lions 4 Kids House works,” Engstrom said.

Wells-Reed is the founder and director for the house. The organization is a necessities resource for homeless and underserved children in the Sumner, Dieringer and White River school districts and the Prairie Ridge area.

According to the teen, the Eagle Scout Award is a family tradition.

&#8220We are a family of five - four boys and one girl,” he said. &#8220I'm the fourth to receive the award in my family.”

The boys' success stemmed from their church participation, the Scouting program and an involved father according to Engstrom's mother, Terese Engstrom.

&#8220It's really exciting,” his mother said. &#8220He's turning 18 shortly. He procrastinated a little. All of my boys went a little longer than I had hoped - they kept their mother on edge.”

Engstrom agrees. He gives the same advice to teens wanting to complete their eagle project.

&#8220Finish it off and don't procrastinate,” he said.

The drop box is at 9004 184th Ave. E. near the Bonney Lake Library.