All >
Volunteering
Boy Scouts Do Their Good Turn
By: Southern Sierra Council, BSA
Topics: Boy Scouts,
bakersfield,
food drive,
charity,
children
Posted by CarolynZ
Fri Jan 16, 2009 11:33:06 PST
Viewed 442
times
0
responses
0
comments
Location:
8400 Rosedale Highway,
Bakersfield, CA 93312
Since 1910, the ideals of Scouting have guided young men to perform "service to others and to the community." Responding to the plight of America's poor and hungry is a traditional Scouting "good turn." During World War I, Boy Scouts planted vegetable gardens to provide food for the hungry; President Roosevelt called on Scouts to collect food for the needy during the Great Depression, and planting Victory Gardens were the Scouting "good turns" organized during World War II. Today, Boy Scouts continue their Good Turn efforts in community stewardship through Scouting for Food.
“We definitely see the need to feed the hungry in our own communities as evidenced by comments we get from local food banks of markedly increased demands on their resources,” according to John Wagner, District Director of the Southern Sierra Council, Boy Scouts of America. “We in Scouting are proud to do our part to help feed those in need through our partnership with these agencies,” Wagner notes.
Many local food pantries are proud to note that Scouting for Food is the single largest donation they receive each year, and the community is a key part of the success. This year the need for community support is greater than ever.
"In 2008, the food bank was over whelmed by people, a 90 percent increase, in need of food… many people that have never needed help before." Partnership Food Bank Manager, Gary Romriell, stated.“This need for food will continue to increase in this coming year."
In Scouting for Food, Scouts deliver empty shopping bags to homes in
their neighborhoods, residents then fill those bags with non-perishable
foods to be picked up by the Scouts and delivered to the drop off location.
This year, the Southern Sierra Council is beginning their Scouting for
Food efforts with shopping bags being delivered to homes on Saturday,
January 31st with Scouts returning the following Saturday to pick up the
food and deliver it to a drop off location.
If you do not receive a bag at your home you can still participate in the food drive. All city and county fire stations are accepting food donations now through Saturday, February 7th, or bring your canned goods to the Rosedale Wal-mart parking lot on February 7th between 11:30am and 3pm.
For information on Scouting in your area please contact the Southern Sierra Council, Boy Scouts of America at 661-325-9036.
