LA PLATA, Md. — Scout Troop 1321 of La Plata held its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive as part of the Scouting for Food Campaign, collecting an impressive 1,337 pounds of food and raising $946 for the Christ Church Food Bank. The event, held at Safeway in La Plata on Nov. 24, 2024, brought together 12 Scouts in a day of service aimed at addressing hunger in the local community.
Scouting for Food is one of the nation’s largest food drives, involving Scouts of all ages to support local food pantries and hunger-relief agencies. “The purpose is to allow Scouts and Scouters to do a Council-wide Good Turn for the community, giving them a sense of community and citizenship,” explained a representative from Troop 1321.
This year’s drive was organized entirely by the Scouts, from coordinating logistics with Safeway to securing transportation for the donations. “This was a boy-led event and helped with leadership skills and serving the local community,” a troop leader said.
For many participants, the event offered meaningful experiences and connections. “I am a new Scout, and I enjoyed hearing from families of Eagle Scouts who shared stories of previous Scouting for Food events and stopped by just to make donations for our event,” said Jason Falkler, Scribe for Troop 1321.
The food and monetary donations will benefit the Christ Church Food Bank, which operates the Plentiful Pantry and a 24/7 community fridge and cabinet for those in need.
“We are consistently blessed and amazed by the amount of food and donations our Scouts are able to collect for our Plentiful Pantry,” said the Rev. Kate Heichler, rector of Christ Church. “The Scouts support our ministry in so many ways and set a wonderful example of action and compassion.”
For Senior Patrol Leader Lucas Alarie, the event was a powerful reminder of the Scout Oath. “Holding activities like food drives inspires young people to help the community and provides for the people in need. Part of the Scout Oath is to ‘help other people at all times.’ It has really inspired me to keep giving back even after Scouts,” Alarie said.
Troop 1321 expressed gratitude to Safeway for hosting the event and to the community for their generosity. The troop looks forward to continuing its mission of service and making a positive impact in La Plata.
If you would like further information about joining Troop 1321 please get in touch with scoutmaster@bsatroop1321.org.
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Keep up the good work, guys!
Where’s Gov. SpendMoore, with his million$ of free dollars? People needing food must not be a skim-able proposition.