NOTE (Monday, November 5, 2018): This story has been updated to reflect the correct collection times on November 10 and 11. 

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Newtown Troop 770 Boy Scout Baxter Page has begun working on his Eagle Project and is hoping the public will help him.

Baxter will be conducting a two-day collection for the Saint Vincent De Paul Mission in Waterbury. The mission operates a homeless shelter and soup kitchen, and the need for items “is only increasing as the colder months approach,” according to Baxter.

The collection is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, November 10-11. Baxter has received permission to have a collection box set up in front of C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, and will be receiving donations from 12 to 4 pm each afternoon.

A tent will be set up in the event of light rain, Baxter said. He will decide what to do each morning if weather is more inclement. The Newtown Bee will share updates on its website and social media outlets should he need to postpone and reschedule.

The specific items being requested are new and/or gently used towels, pillow cases, and white socks. There are no requirements in terms of quantity or size. Baxter was asked specifically for white socks, however, due to sanitary reasons, he said.

There is a timely necessity of the requested items, according to Baxter, a senior at Newtown High School.

“As the winter approaches, many less fortunate individuals will need warm, clean beds to sleep in, warm showers, and warm clothing,” he said. “The Saint Vincent De Paul Mission provides all of those things but needs donations in order to operate. This drive would be helping them at a critical time.”

The 17-year-old is familiar with the mission thanks to previous efforts by members of his family. Older brother Riley did a similar drive four years ago for his Eagle Scout Project, and Baxter’s mother, Liz, used to run a coat drive for the Saint Vincent DePaul mission during the colder season.

“I suppose running a drive like this was in my blood, so to speak,” he said.