Today, more than 1 billion people in the world live in conditions of poverty, and almost one in every five children in the United States lives in poverty.
In the United States, poverty significantly impacts hunger, with an estimated 13 million people going to bed hungry each night. Scouting continues its legacy of combating poverty and other social issues while creating leaders of tomorrow through its Good Turn for America initiative, a collaboration with other community organizations that focuses on the power of volunteerism on the important community issues of hunger, shelter and health.
Local boy scouts and cub scouts will be collecting food for their annual food drive on Jan. 31 to restock depleted local food banks. This six county project is being coordinated by the Order of the Arrow Lodge of the Cherokee Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, an honor organization for boys selected by their peers to further their leadership and service experience in Scouting. The Cherokee Area Council has conducted this important program for more than 10 years with local Scouts working to demonstrate the “Good Turn” motto of Scouting while helping those in need in their communities.
Youth from local troops and packs in Bartlesville and Dewey will be walking through community neighborhoods picking up canned, bagged or boxed non-perishable food items (no glass or refrigerated items can be accepted) to help re-supply local food banks after a particularly busy winter holiday period. Items for pick up should be placed on the front porch before 8 a.m. Jan. 31 for collection by the Scouts. It is expected that pickups will be completed by 10 a.m.
Henry Robin, council lodge advisor for the Order of the Arrow Lodge stated, “Our annual food drive exemplifies the mission of Scouting as we train young people to work in giving to others while practicing leadership and citizenship. After enjoying the blessings of the recent holiday season it is appropriate that we help those in need. This is the Scouting good turn motto in action.”
It is reported that local food banks welcome this annual re-supply as their food stocks are at unusually low levels after a busy holiday season spent helping those in need.