Alea Schuler is in the process of earning her Eagle Scout.

That’s the highest achievement or rank in the Boys Scouts of America program. Schuler, who is a junior at Delta Charter High School, has been a member of BSA Greater Yosemite Council 2223 under Scoutmaster Paul Acosta since 2019.

During that time, she’s racked up the required 21 merit badges necessary for the award – of that, 14 are mandatory to become an Eagle Scout.

Another part of the program included the planning, developing, and leading a service project that benefits a local non-profit. For that, Schuler and her mother, Melissa, chose to help out Ray of Hope Children’s Crisis and Resource Services of San Joaquin County.

“She’s making Mommy & Me tote bags for our infants and babies,” said Ray of Hope Executive Director Laura Saunders.

Schuler is hoping to become an obstetrician – a physician specializing in delivering babies and carrying for people during pregnancy and after they give birth.

“I loved the idea of helping mothers with babies who are struggling and in need of assistance,” she said.

Schuler’s project entails putting together 50 Mommy & Me tote bags – blue (boys) and pink (girls) – containing items for babies up to six months old.

“All (50) would have the same contents,” she added.

Items needed for babies include diapers, wipes, receiving blankets, mini onesies, pacifiers, diaper rash ointment, baby shampoo, and socks, to name a few.

For mommies, Schuler’s tote bag would contain, for example, hand lotions, chap sticks, and nail polish.

“Any donation (to fill the tote bags) would be greatly appreciated,” said Schuler, who would also accept gift cards to help her cause.

Those looking to help out with the Mommy & Me tote bags can do so by e-mailing Alea Schuler at aleaschuler2223@gmail.com.