By Patrick Baron

NORMAL – A local teen is spearheading a project to beautify the exterior of the Humane Society of Central Illinois.

To become an Eagle Scout, Thomas Holmes had to undertake a community service project – but instead of making birdhouses or planting trees, Holmes wanted to do something more. As a frequent volunteer at the Humane Society, he wanted to do something to benefit the organization and help make changes to the building’s exterior. Holmes, who has been heading the project for about nine months, said the landscaping improvements for the organization have been a long time coming.

“Really this just seemed like the perfect place, they’ve been needing help with different projects over time and it just kind of came to us,” Holmes explained.

When Holmes told his Scout Troop, family and friends about the project they thought he was “off his rocker”. After going through the numbers for construction materials needed for the project, Holmes reached out to local organizations like F&W Lawn Care & Landscaping for assistance.

Holmes explained he wants the outside of the building to reflect the types of services that are provided inside.

“We really hope to benefit the Humane Society, to make their outward appearance reflect what’s inside,” said Holmes. “To really show people from the very get-go just how wonderful they really are.”

Holmes said he and his family have adopted dogs from the Humane Society over the years.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].