Jeremy Perillo, an Eagle Scout with Newtown Boy Scout Troop 42, recently completed his fourth annual Crutches 4 Kids Crutch Drive.

Over the past three years his crutch drives have given the gift of mobility to more than 300 children through the nonprofit organization Crutches 4 Kids (C4K), an organization dedicated to providing crutches to children in need throughout the world. By collecting gently used crutches through crutch drives, C4K gives the gift of mobility, independence, and hope to these children.

To these children a pair of crutches, cane, or walker can be everything. A pair of crutches can enable a child to rejoin their friends in the classroom and on the playground, participate more in family routines, and ultimately better engage in their societies. Crutch drives bridge the gap between the abundant supply of crutches in the United States and the staggering demand around the world.

This year Jeremy collaborated with George Boncek and Newtown Boy Scout Troop 70. Collection boxes were placed at Newtown Municipal Center and C.H. Booth Library, as well as Stop & Shop in New Fairfield. The crutch drive received 152 items: 92 pairs of crutches, 42 canes, 14 walkers, and four boots.

In July, Jeremy and his parents packed up their car and delivered the items to the AmeriCares warehouse in Stamford. The items will be packed up and shipped to an area in need; the final destination had not yet been determined when the Perillos were at the warehouse.

Regardless of where they go, Jeremy knows that his efforts - and the donations of others - have given the gift of mobility to over more than children.