Garden City Boy Scout Charlie Eschmann, of Troop #243, is working on his Eagle Scout Project by collecting 50-65 new and or gently used musical instruments for St. Martins Deporres School in Uniondale.

He has already collected 18 instruments including a drum set, snare drum, saxophone, clarinet, accordion, keyboards and guitars. Other residents have donated music books and cash donations to Charlie's project.

He will be organizing and running a basketball tournament at the end of this month to raise money to buy or repair any instruments and will also be collecting any gently used and unwanted instruments on a date to be announced. He is willing to pick up instruments from your house or they can be dropped off at his house. No instrument is too small.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more then 1.7million young men.

Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages.

Charlie Eschmann can be reached at 294-6554 regarding the basketball tournament or to donate instruments