Blake Sparks, a 17-year-old boy scout, is on a remarkable journey to make a significant impact on the lives of animals in need. His dedication and compassion shine through as he works towards becoming an Eagle Scout by lending a helping hand at the Placer County SPCA. A Teen's Quest to Feed and Adopt - Helping Animals in Placer County
Blake's Early Scouting Days
Blake has been an active part of scouting since the tender age of 10. This long-standing involvement has instilled in him a sense of responsibility and a love for helping others. He vividly recalls seeing commercials of hungry and homeless animals, which sparked a fire within him to take action. "I couldn't bear the sight of those animals suffering. I knew I had to do something to make a difference," he shares.His decision to host a pet food drive in front of the Tractor Supply store in Rocklin this weekend was a natural progression of his desire to collect food and raise awareness about the need for animal adoptions. "I hope by doing this, people will realize the importance of supporting our local animal shelters and consider adopting a furry friend," he adds.The Impact of Community Generosity
Initially, Blake planned to collect 200 pounds of food for the animals in need. However, the outpouring of community support was truly astonishing. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of the local residents, his new goal now stands at collecting an impressive 2,000 pounds of food. "It's amazing to see how people have come together to help these animals. The amount of food we've collected is truly overwhelming," he says with a sense of pride.When they dropped off the food at the shelter, the staff was simply amazed by the quantity. It was a heartwarming sight to see a family filling out paperwork to get some much-needed food that they couldn't afford. This experience has further strengthened Blake's resolve to continue his efforts.Friendly Competition with Dad
Blake admits that the friendly competition with his dad has been a driving force in keeping him focused. His dad, Jeremy Sparks, never achieved his Eagle Scout status when he was a kid. This has motivated Blake to work even harder to reach his goal. "It's a bit of a friendly rivalry, but it's all in good fun. I want to show him that I can do it," he laughs.He was already a life scout and just one merit badge and an Eagle Project away. But as he entered high school, priorities changed. However, his main motivation remains the same - to get his Eagle Scout badge, just like his dad never did. "Whatever it takes to achieve this goal, I'm going to do it," he declares.Blake is not stopping here. He is hosting at least two more events for his Eagle project and is actively seeking donations for the Placer County SPCA. His commitment to making a difference is unwavering, and he continues to inspire others with his actions.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter
