Friday, Februry 8, 2002
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Friday, Februry 8, 2002 |
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Boy Scouts helping to feed the poor The Boy Scouts of America are hitting the streets of Coweta County to help The Salvation Army feed the poor. The scouts will be doing their "good turn" this weekend. "Good turns are helpful acts of kindness done quietly, without boasting and without expecting rewards or pay. Doing at least one good turn every day is a normal part of a Scout's life," says the Boy Scout Handbook. The slogan of the Boy Scouts of America should be more than just words to the youth enrolled in the scouting programs, said Verna Lettis, Coweta Boy Scout spokesman and Scouting for Food chairman. "It should be a way of life, now and when the boys become adults contributing to our society," she said. "And the scouts here in Coweta get out and go door to door to show how important helping their community is." Lettis continued, "Last year at this time, we estimated 15 percent of our neighbors experienced hunger on a daily basis and the largest amount would be children. The children are peers of the Cub Scouts as well as area Boy Scouts. This time the numbers are higher, Scout families have been affected as well with job layoffs happening all over. There are families that I know at the St. George Pack where I work with the Cub Scouts. The Salvation Army even helped my family only weeks after we stocked their shelves." The Salvation Army opens its doors to those in need. According to director Cathy Osbourn, you come in to fill out a financial sheet, be a resident of Coweta County and benefit from this food drive and the charity of others. Osbourn has been working for the organization for 35 years and two years here at the Coweta Service Center. "Last year the Boy Scouts came in and just filled those shelves," Osbourn said. "They were little men on a mission. They knew that this was a job that they didn't mind doing. They understood who would benefit from their efforts. And we are very happy to get the Boy Scouts' help." The sponsor for this year's event is Chik-fil-a. The scouts began dropping bags off last Saturday and will pick the bags up tomorrow. Inside the bags will be Chik-fil-a coupons for families to use. "Due to the size of Coweta, some areas might not find bags on their doors, so we apologize in advance. We ask that if you do not have a bag, by Saturday pack a few things and drop it off at The Salvation Army Service Center on Jefferson Parkway by the Newnan Post Office and Dalton Carpet," Lettis suggested. "Foods needed are macaroni and cheese, beans, corn, carrots, green beans, tuna and peanut butter," added Osbourn. "The best place for those that receive bags, should place them outside Friday night so you do not have to be disturbed early Saturday morning." Lettis said. "Please leave your food donation at the end of your driveway or the base of you mail box. The scouts can see and grab the bags and cover more ground," she added.
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