Shaler Scout hopes to make Eagle with food pantry for hometown library

Folks in need of food can find some for free at the Shaler North Hills Library courtesy of an Eagle Scout hopeful.

Xander Hill, 16, of Shaler developed a food pantry for the facility at 1822 Mt. Royal Blvd.

The roughly 6-foot-tall cabinet was stocked Sept. 2 with canned goods, pasta, peanut butter and jelly, soups and sauces.

Xander said friends and family donated to the project, and they were able to give the library a $500 check to keep the pantry full. Library maintenance worker Steve Brix installed the pantry.

“We are very fortunate because we are surrounded by so many wonderful people who care about one another,” said Ingrid Kalchthaler, the library’s head of youth services. “What we try to do at the library is make this a place where people can assess the information they need, the entertainment that they need; and now we’re providing a new service.

“It’s only been possible because of the gifts of this young man. Xander has been a volunteer for us since he’s been young. He has served in so many different ways. For him to do this really shows how much he cares about those who don’t have the resources at this time. He’s also giving people in our community an opportunity to share as well. I’m extremely thankful for what he’s done. It’s beautiful.”

The community service project was the result of discussions between the Boy Scout Troop 560 member and library director Sharon McRae. Xander originally wanted to install benches at the library.

“In this time of crisis, with a lot of people not being able to get food, it’s really eye-opening to see how many people need that food,” Xander said. “Some people don’t get an opportunity to have a full belly. I think a lot of people are scared to admit that they need help. I think it’s a good thing to say you do need help.

“There’s always going to be somebody to lend a helping hand. Hopefully, the food pantry will be that helping hand.”

The food pantry is dedicated in memory of Xander’s great-grandfather, William J. Neely, a former Shaler commissioner and longtime library board member. The avid golfer died in 2018 at age 88.

Neely’s name is engraved on a small, golden placard book-ended by golf images on the front of the pantry.

“He did a lot of service for the library and the township,” Xander said. “I haven’t really seen anything really to show his memory or show his dedication and hard work for the library and the township. I figured his memory and all the things he has done will live on through the food pantry. Since people will be constantly using it, maybe they’ll read the plaque and go, ‘I know him. He was a nice guy.’

“I’m very happy it’s completed. I was excited to have the opportunity to do a project like this, but I’m excited for that weight to be lifted off my shoulders and to have other people enjoy that food pantry.”

The project took about three weeks and cost about $300.

Xander has been in Scouting since the second grade and has earned 56 merit badges. He’s starting his sophomore year at Central Catholic High School in Oakland.

“I like (Scouting) because of a lot of stuff,” he said. “I get to help people become better people. It teaches a lot of life lessons. I also get to go on fun camping trips with my friends.”

Eagle Scout projects must be completed before the Scout’s 18th birthday.

Xander hopes to reach the highest rank with at least a year to spare so he can experience more Scouting adventures and “glamping,” glamorized camping.

He plans to submit binders full of information about the pantry and his project application to the Scout’s Laurel Highlands Council .

It’s unclear when evaluation and Eagle Scout awarding would take place.

Xander’s mother, Amy, said Xander has made his father, Mark, and the whole family very proud. She believes Neely is looking down on his work with admiration.

“We think the pantry looks amazing,” she said. “Him doing the pantry instead of the benches is definitely beneficial of the needs of the community right now during the covid-19 pandemic. So many people have lost jobs, and there’s a great demand for food during this time.”