Scout with special needs helps spread love
Written by Kate Czaplinski, Herald Editor
Friday, 17 February 2012 15:31
Joshua Sussan, a 17-year-old Shelton resident with special needs, has several limitations in his life, but that doesn’t stop him from accomplishing great things to help other people, according to his friends.
“He is the kind of person that will find a penny on the floor of a store and walk up to the counter and return it,” Bill Berthold, a Shelton resident and friend of Joshua and his family, said. “He is a sweet, innocent young man.”
Joshua recently noticed a pile of stuffed monkeys when he was getting his hair cut at J-Cuts barber shop on Howe Avenue. J-Cuts’ owner, Jennifer Sneider, who cuts his hair, explained that the monkeys were part of the shop’s Monkey Love Valentine’s Day Drive. The monkeys are going to needy children in the Valley, through organizations like the Spooner House.
Joshua, a Boy Scout with Troop 1 in Milford, decided to help the drive and asked his troop members to work with him collecting monkeys.
Last Friday, he arrived at J-Cuts with 34 monkeys for the drive, and received many thanks from Sneider. The Monkey Love drive collected a total of 902 monkeys.
“The first thing that always comes to his mind is, ‘What can I do to help?’” Berthold said. “He is the first one to volunteer, the first one to help you do something.”
Joshua faces developmental challenges and has had a pacemaker put in because of heart problems. But he loves to accomplish tasks on his own and he dreams of attaining Eagle Scout rank. His Eagle Scout project is currently up for approval.
“His mom is behind him, and he’s just determined to make it happen,” Berthold said.
While this year’s Monkey Love drive ended, those interested in helping with next year’s drive can contact Jennifer at J-Cuts at 203-924-4107.
Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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