By Edward Lynn
Editor
EAGLE GROVE, Iowa — Eleven-year-old Boy Scout AJ Premo is on a mission to help families in need by collecting aluminum can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. The project, the latest of his ongoing service projects in scouting, aims to provide support for families with sick children by helping fund medical care and lodging.
Premo has placed four plastic tubs at locations around town—Pop’s Pizza, Rails, The Smoke Shop, and the Robert Blue Middle School—where community members can donate their pop tabs. He hopes to expand the effort with more collection sites, working closely with his scout leader, Rick Dawson, to coordinate the initiative.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities provides temporary housing and support for families who must travel to access medical care for their seriously ill or injured children. Premo’s connection to the cause is personal; his family benefited from the Ronald McDonald House years ago when his older brother was born prematurely and required extensive medical care.
“They help families who need a place to stay while their kids are in the hospital,” Premo said. “It’s important to give back because you never know when you might need help yourself.”
His father, Casey Premo, noted that the family spent significant time at the Ronald McDonald House during their difficult time. Additionally, another scout in AJ’s troop has a younger sibling who also received support from the organization.
Asked what his specific goal was in terms of numbers, Premo answered, “my best answer would be as much as I can get.” The more he collects, the more people he helps, he explained.
A dedicated scout for three years, Premo has learned valuable life skills, including fire safety, outdoor survival, and navigation. He has participated in a variety of service projects, including a prior effort titled “Putting Work Boots Back to Work,” which provided used work boots to those in need. He plans to continue in scouting with hopes of one day achieving the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
“Scouting has taught me a lot,” AJ said. “I’ve learned how to cook, pack my gear, and take care of camping tools. It also teaches you how to be a good person.”
Community members who wish to contribute to AJ’s project can drop off pop tabs at one of the designated collection sites. For those with larger donations, the family can arrange pickups via text.
“It’s an easy way for people to give back,” said his mother, Alicia Premo. “We’ve personally seen the impact the Ronald McDonald House can have, and this is a way to support other families going through similar challenges.”
As AJ continues his scouting journey, he remains committed to service. Whether assisting at the local food pantry, helping with Thanksgiving dinners, or supporting fellow scouts’ projects, his dedication to giving back is evident.
“I just want to help others,” AJ said simply.
For more information on the Ronald McDonald House Charities, visit www.rmhc.org.
