Pack 393,

Our pack has a wonderful opportunity to help serve our community. In light of the recent economic changes for many people, we have decided to team up with The Carying Place to provide some desperately needed assistance this holiday season. The Carying Place provides transitional housing for seven homeless, working families for 16 weeks.

So here’s what we are going to do….

We have planned a food/cash donation drive. In the past we have canvassed the Breckenridge neighborhood. This year we will distribute the bags individually within our own neighborhoods. Our goal is to collect $350 which will provide each family with a $25 grocery card and a $25 gas card in addition to the food. Last year we were also able to include a $50.00 Target gift card!

I would like each pack family to consider donating as well. This would be an excellent time to talk to your boys about compassion and to teach them that we all need to help others.

Ideas to consider:
1. Have your scout donate some of their own money. (there’s no better way to teach kids to serve then by giving their own money)
2. Make a list of chores that they could do to earn money to help these kids.
3. Have them talk to friends/family/neighbors about our project and ask for a donation.
4. Search through your pantry and pick out food that they like to eat and have them donate it instead.
5. Set a goal of how much you would like to raise
6. Be an example: donate and participate in the project!

Thursday, December 3th at 7:00pm: Meet at Triangle Church for Pack meeting.

As a pack, we will assemble the bags for distribution. Please bring a stapler and an estimate of the number of bags your son will need. You may canvass just your personal street or branch out to other streets as well. I would like to see each scout distributes 25 bags.

Friday, December 4th: Distribute bags in neighborhoods
Sunday, December 6th 4:00 PM: Collect envelopes and bags.
Thursday, December 10th: Bring food and money to den meeting at Triangle Church.
Thursday, December 17th 6:00pm: Deliver gifts and food to The Carying Place.

So here’s what we need from you:

1. Talk to your boys about our project. Get them excited and have them participate!! They will experience the joy of knowing that they made a difference in someone’s life!!
2. Donate and participate yourself.
3. Ask for donations when you are out in the community. Many local stores and restaurants will generously donate gift cards.

Those who participated in the delivering of the gifts and food last year know the incredible experience the boys had. They were proud of what they achieved and realized that they made a tremendous impact on these families. I hope you will consider all that we have to be thankful for and help make this year even better than last!

Yours in Scouting,
Kelly Coman