2018 Rogers Scholar Luke Jacobs of Somerset takes children on a shopping trip for Boy Scout Troop 79’s annual Toys for Tots campaign. Jacobs, a graduate of The Center for Rural Development’s Rogers Scholars program and a junior at Southwestern High School, helped plan and organize this year’s Toys for Tots campaign for his Rogers Scholars community service project.

2018 Rogers Scholar Luke Jacobs of Pulaski County has participated in Boy Scout Troop 79’s annual Toys for Tots campaign for several years, but this year was different.

For his Rogers Scholars community service project, Jacobs asked if he could help plan and organize the annual toy drive. After receiving the troop’s approval, he stepped up into a leadership role to get ready for the 2018 Toys for Tots campaign.

Jacobs, a graduate of The Center for Rural Development’s Rogers Scholars program and a junior at Southwestern High School, challenged the community to get behind the project by either donating new toys or making financial donations to purchase toys for children in need.

“I have been involved in this project for the last five years, and seeing the joy on people’s faces when they realize they will be able to provide their children with a nice Christmas is truly amazing,” Jacobs said. “The opportunity to lead this project made me appreciate its impact even more by experiencing and leading those in the work that goes on behind the scenes.”

Since 1930, Boy Scout Troop 79 of Somerset has dedicated its time to making sure local families are able to provide Christmas gifts for their children.

“All of you are truly a blessing for me and my family. You all have helped me provide a Christmas for my twins for the last seven years. God bless you all and thank you so much,” said an anonymous Toys for Tots recipient.

This year’s Toys for Tots campaign was made possible through the support of Boy Scout Troop 79, First Christian Church Somerset, The Center for Rural Development, iHeart Radio Somerset, The Commonwealth Journal, and Dr. David Mullins.

Jacobs is the son of Mark and Tammy Jacobs of Somerset.

Boy Scout Troop 79’s annual Toys for Tots campaign