By Marie McCain
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Joe Lee,16, of Anderson Township stands with Jennifer Cowgill of the Parkside Christian Church's Outreach Mission. (Tony Jones photo) | ZOOM |

ANDERSON TOWNSHIP - Ingenuity, a desire to do well, and some generational tradition have prompted Joe Lee to think beyond himself this Thanksgiving.

The 16-year-old Turpin High School sophomore has organized a clothing and food drive, ending Tuesday, to benefit a food pantry run by Parkside Christian Church in this eastern Hamilton County suburb.

The teen began the drive to earn his Eagle Scout status, which his father, his six uncles and his 17-year brother have all achieved. Eagla Scout is the highest rank in Boy Scouts.

But in his desire to carry on family tradition, Lee is learning that charity is not motivated by guilt or a tax write-off. It is instead a true endeavor of the heart, motivated by genuine compassion, hard work and self-sacrifice, he said.

"People need to have a good quality of life in order to function," said Lee. "Without these donations, some people won't be able to function.''

Donations of clothes and non-perishable foods will be accepted at Mercer Elementary School, 2600 Bartels Road, through Tuesday.

Lee has coordinated much of the drive and helped transport the donations from the school to the pantry.

"It's amazing that we bring in all these cans (of food) and within a day, they're all gone," he said.

Jennifer Cowgill, director of the Parkside Christian Church's Outreach Mission, which includes a food pantry, said she is honored by the teen's efforts.

"This helps us so much, especially at this time of the year," she said.

The pantry picks up food from other pantry shelves and distributes 4.5 tons of food to the needy monthly. In 2002, the mission served about 3,858 people. That number increased in 2003. As of October, officials said, the mission has served 4,224 individuals.

Lauren Lee is also pleased by her son's efforts. "I've seen both my boys changed by their projects (for the Eagle Scout rank)," Lauren Lee added. "It has improved their confidence, made them aware of others' needs, and stretched them beyond what they thought they could do."

For information or to donate, call 232-7000 or 624-6688.

E-mail mmccain@enquirer.com