In only two weeks, Rylan Goodwine and fellow Boy Scouts from Monticello Troop 380 were able to pack over 170 boxes and $1,000 in cash for orphaned children in Afghanistan. The boxes contained 243 coats, 139 blankets, 384 pairs of shoes, too many articles of children’s and adult clothing to count, over 100 hygiene kits and school kits, and 40 soccer balls.  As the boxes were delivered to Salt Lake City, those in charge were visibly touched by the generosity of San Juan County. 

Rylan’s Eagle Scout project started by contacting a Utah Air National Guardsman, who along with fellow soldiers, started the TAO Project (The Afghanistan Orphanage Project).  Through the TAO Project and Operation Give, the donated items will be shipped directly to U.S. soldiers to distribute in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan has a population of approximately 24 million people.  After three decades of war, two million of those are now parent-less children. The TAO Project has been given 50 acres of land on which to build an orphanage which will house 500 girls and 500 boys. 

Rylan gives a big thank you to those who donated to this great cause.  Also heartfelt thanks to scouts and youth who helped collect, sort and box up the donations. This could not have been accomplished without them.  They recorded more than 193 hours of service to this effort.  And that is just the ones they know about.  

Rylan will be honored at The Stadium of Fire in Provo on July 3.  Celebrating the 100 years of Boy Scouts, The Stadium of Fire will hold the world’s largest Eagle Scout Court of Honor and world’s largest Eagle’s Nest.