Boy Scout TJ Brinkman, 16, installs a commemorative plaque on the new Rose Valley Grange food pantry on Friday, March 15, with help from his father, Travis Brinkman.
The Rose Valley Grange food pantry has been moved out of its former home in a plastic shed to a new, sturdier wooden shed constructed by local Boy Scout TJ Brinkman.
“He did such a nice job and added so many details to it,” Grange Master Nicole Nickel said.
The shed was officially marked as complete with a commemorative plaque, which Brinkman installed Friday.
Brinkman, 16, built the shed as his Eagle Scout project. He said he learned about the grange’s need for a new pantry through the Rose Valley Friends Church, which he and his father attend along with several grange members.
RSG Forest Projects donated materials for the project and OEG Inc. provided monetary support.
Brinkman said he had friends help with construction, as he is not required to complete the project entirely on his own. In fact, one of the project requirements is demonstrating leadership by coordinating with others.
The food pantry, located outside of the grange building, provides free food for anyone who needs it, Nickel said. Visitors are also welcome to drop off spare food if they have it.
Minka Atkinson is a news reporter for The Daily News covering education and social services in Cowlitz County.
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Boy Scout TJ Brinkman, 16, installs a commemorative plaque on the new Rose Valley Grange food pantry on Friday, March 15, with help from his father, Travis Brinkman.
