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Help for the homeless

Photo from JEANNE KARSTENDIEK

Victor Karstendiek, left, and Nick Mayfield are collecting donations in front of Winn Dixie on Sheldon Road. The donations collected were used to put 75 “urban survival kits” together.

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By JESSICA BALANZA

jbalanza@tampatrib.com

Published: October 28, 2009

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - A Westchase youngster found a way to complete his Eagle Scout project while helping out the homeless in Tampa.

Victor Karstendiek, 14, put together 75 backpacks, which he called "urban survival kits" to hand out to the homeless during Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church's Sunday breakfast for the homeless on Sept. 27.

Each backpack had daily essentials such as a sleeping bag and sanitary items.

"It felt good when I was handing them out because I am helping them in their daily lives," Karstendiek said.

The Tampa Bay Technical High School student sought donations from friends and family to gather the necessary items. And on Sept. 25, Karstendiek and boys from Boy Scout Troop 315 of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church put the items in the backpacks to hand out.

Karstendiek said only 50 of the backpacks were handed out during the breakfast. He decided to hand out the other 25 to homeless people he saw around Town 'N Country.

"I am so proud of my son and the contribution he made through his Eagle Scout project," said Victor's mother, Jeanne. "I don't think he truly realizes the impact he has made on those that feel like they are invisible to the world."

Karstendiek has been a Boy Scout for three years and anticipates becoming an Eagle Scout by next year. He said he has a few more badges to earn.

Community producer Jessica Balanza can be reached at (727) 451-2342.

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