Eagle Scout builds outdoor covering for residents at retirement community

"There was no where to sit out there before because it was too hot," Hittler said. "Now, they can sit and be comfortable. This is a way [Drieu] could give them a piece of happiness on a daily basis. This is one of the best Eagle Scout projects I've seen."

Drieu raised $1,200 for the project through a carwash at The Heritage. It was more than he needed for the project, so he donated about $250 of the extra funds to The Heritage.

Drieu stained the wood at his house and then spent two weekends building the structure with the help of his friends, his troop and his father, Mike Drieu, who is also his assistant scout master.

The pergola was dedicated May 16 with a dozen residents and several staff in attendance.

"It's wonderful," staff member Linda Hall said of the structure. "He's such a nice young man. It is very honorable that he would do this for us."