Batman and a “Star Wars” stormtrooper do not tend to work together, but an Eagle Scout project March 26 brought these two together, at least for a day.

Eagle Scout projects require a thought-out plan - first, a brainstorming session to assess community needs and, then, to consider a goal. This is followed by a nascent plan that considers the goal’s benefits, costs and impact on the community.

As the plan forms, the Eagle Scout candidate ponders the number of personnel needed and a cost-effective way to accomplish the project. As the budget is developed, the project timing then comes into play.

After the entire project is planned, including number of team participants, project budget and the project’s completion road map, plan implementation begins to occur. This is where the rubber meets the road.

Longtime Boy Scout Timothy Cline’s expressed career goal is to become a television production specialist. His Eagle Scout project was, in a sense, a production. He led a team of nearly 20 volunteers to achieve his goal of collecting as many nonperishable items for the community as possible.

After the project is implemented, the Eagle candidate then sits down with his team to review and evaluate how the project unfolded per the plan. The evaluation process extends as either a celebration of project success, to a recognition that the project did not go well or somewhere in between.

This is what Cline, of Catasauqua, contended with as he fleshed out his Eagle Scout project plan months ago. His goal was to have an impact on the Catasauqua and North Catasauqua communities.

Cline was introduced to Scouting at an early age. He was a Tiger Cub, which is for 5- and 6-year-olds. Tiger Cub is the first level of Cub Scouts. There are seven Boy Scouts of America ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle. Cline worked through them, demonstrating hard work, leadership and commitment.

To become an Eagle rank, a Scout must earn a total of 21 merit badges and demonstrate Scout spirit, service and leadership.

Typically, an Eagle project is some form of building, be it a wooden information display at a trail, constructing small accessible portable flower and vegetable gardens at a nursing home and other construction-type activities.

Cline looked around the community and quickly understood there is increased need for food due to the temporary inflation throughout the U.S. economy and supply chain disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Catasauqua has a dynamic, successful food bank located at 527 Front St. Cline thought a worthy project was to hold a large food donation event in the two neighboring boroughs.

The three locations to donate food were Catasauqua Park and Playground, 501 American St.; Fireman’s Field, Race Street, Catasauqua; and North Catasauqua William J. Albert Memorial Park, 701 Grove St.

The donations began to flow in as soon as the event began. Batman (Cline’s uncle) and the stormtrooper (Cline’s cousin) had a great time directing donation traffic off Race Street into the firefighters training area, so patrons could make their food donation.

Cline noted his experience with Scouting has been fun and rewarding.

“Being a Scout has made me accountable and is a great opportunity for meeting a lot of new people,” he said.

Cline’s goal of collecting 5,000 items was met - and surpassed. In all, the effort brought in 6,441 items.