Springfield teen serious about service

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Needy families in the Pioneer Valley are singing the praises of a young man from Springfield who turned a service project into a life long mission.

Melvin Rivera has been chipping away at his Eagle Scout project since August.

"This isn't just an Eagle project, this is much more, " Rivera said.

The 16-year-old decided to help low income families get back on their feet.

Rivera placed flyers throughout the city asking those in the community to help him make a difference to nine families living in the Prospect House in the cities North End.

"Everybody thought it was just a scam," Rivera said.

The donations started pouring in as soon as people realized Rivera was serious about service. Rivera estimates all the items collected total nearly $2,000.

If you would like to contribute there is still time. Rivera will be collecting food, clothing, bedding and toiletries outside the Stop & Shop on Liberty Street in Springfield on November 15th.