“I will do my best…to help other people at all times…” is part of the Boy Scout Creed. As a 12-year member of the BSA Boy Scout Troop 1059 of Eagle Grove (and another year as assistant leader), Mark Dawson has done many good deeds, his most recent being this past Saturday, Nov. 28. He spent his final day at home, before heading out to basic training with the U.S. Marine Corps, collecting toys for local children in need this holiday season.
While many people were thinking about checking items off their own holiday shopping lists, Dawson spent Saturday standing in the parking lot of Subway in Eagle Grove for eight hours. Instead of using his last day at home to do things for himself, he used it to collect Toys for Tots through a partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps. Their one-day campaign brought in more than 900 new toys for Wright County children this Christmas who may have otherwise had no gifts under their tree. An additional $500 in cash donations will allow for the purchase of even more toys.
“What an amazing weekend. we filled over five boxes full of toys,” said Dawson’s dad, Rick.
Dawson and his whole family were humbled by the friends, family members, coaches, pastors, and teachers that stopped by to support his giving back mission.
“I can’t say enough how much I appreciated everybody stopping by and saying goodbye to Mark,” said Rick.
As an added bonus to encourage people to give more generously, Dawson said he would do a push up for every new toy donated. At the end of the day, he kept his word. With a small artificial turf thrown down to place his hands on, right there in the parking lot of Subway he did 955 push-ups. The Pastor at his church, Jason Cooper at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove, had him do an additional 45 in church on Sunday. Dawson did them in good spirit.
If you were unable to make a donation on Saturday, but would still like to support Dawson’s cause, you can still drop off toys at Subway in time for holiday distribution in honor of Mark who is a 202 graduate of Eagle Grove High School.
Dawson left for basic training with the Marine Corps in San Diego on Sunday, Nov. 29. He told his dad he decided to join because both of his grandparents were in the service – one in the Marine Corps and the other in the Air Force.
