Helping Others, Helping Yourself

Yesterday, I assisted my son with a scout project, "Scouting for Food". It has always been a project I have been involved with but yesterday I really saw the hard work that goes into it. My son and three others in his troop were give a thousand bags each, a map and a group of scouts ranging in age from 6-17. They were each asked to coordinate the scouts, drop off the bags and a week later pick up the food and deliver it to the food pantry. They are also responsible for the recording of service hours for each of the boys involved and reporting back to the scout master.

It is very difficult as a parent not to help, I had to step back and let him be in charge and in control. For a young man, he has done an incredible job. There was an overwhelming response to the food drive, my son's group collected approximately 1300 pieces of food. The other 3 groups collected anywhere from 900 pieces to 1250 pieces. Another scout troop was conducting a drive as well and the boys all met at the food pantry and worked together to get the items out of the cars and trucks and into the building. It was a wonderful feeling to see that the community and the scouts are working together for a common goal.

My son's eyes were opened to the many blessings he has and is grateful for the food that his family can provide him and his brother. Compassion was one of the many lessons learned yesterday. Many families in our community will be fed for Thanksgiving and in the weeks to come.