Sat., February 21, 40 Cub Scout Packs and 33 Boy Scouts Troops of the North Trail District spread out across the Park Cities, Preston Hollow, North Dallas, Lake Highlands, and Richardson, picking up yellow Scouting for Food bags filled with non-perishable food items.  This local effort was a part of the 22^nd annual national Boy Scout food collection drive.

“The North Trail total for Saturday’s effort was 43,100 food items,” said Don Birdsong, the district’s food-drive chair.  “It was a little cold in the morning, but everyone’s hard work made up for any temporary discomfort we experienced,” he added.  “The food we collected will go a long way in helping families in need in our communities.” 

Youth and adults distributed the bags on Sat., February 14.  A week later, they retraced their steps, picking up filled bags placed on door steps.  Collected bags contained canned vegetables, soups, juices, meats, and baby formulas as well as boxed helper meals and pastas.

Among participating Scout units with Park Cities members were:

·        Pack 19, Lovers Lane United MethodistChurch

·        Pack 84, Robert S.HyerElementary School

·        Pack 731, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

·        Troop 35, Westminster Presbyterian Church

·        Troop 72, University Park United Methodist Church

·        Troop 80, Highland Park Presbyterian Church

·        Troop 82, Highland Park Presbyterian Church

North Trail final collection points were three Tom Thumb Food and Pharmacy stores, including the one at Northwest Highway and Central Expressway, and Network Ministries, Richardson.  The Network Ministries received more than 15,000 lbs. of food items.  Items collected at Tom Thumb stores were donated to the Salvation Army.

North Trail is one 19 districts in Circle Ten Council, Boy Scouts of America.  “This year’s Council goal was 500,000 items,” said Ponce Duran, Council Scout executive.  “Our success was generously supported by our corporate sponsors, Tom Thumb Food and Pharmacy, The Dallas Morning News, and WFAA-TV/Channel 8,” he added.  “Tom Thumb, a partner for each of the 22 annual drives, will accept food donations at their stores throughout the month of February.”

In 2010, the American Boy Scout movement will celebrate its 100^th anniversary.  “Next year, the Council goal will again be 500,000 items.  With that, Circle Ten will celebrate the 100^th anniversary having collected more 10 million food items in 23 drives,” said Mr. Duran.  “Even in this challenging economic environment, I am confident we can attain that worthy goal.”

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