Scoutstt still scouting for food

Scouting for Food is an ongoing annual programme of the Boy Scouts of America that begun in 1985 by the Greater Saint Louis Area Council that collects food for local food banks. It is organised at the local level throughout the country.

This year, for the first time, it is being done in Trinidad.

Yvan Mendoza, marketing and communications advisor to Scoutstt told Newsday when the association launched its first annual national food drive, “Scouting for Food” back in May on United Way’s national day of caring, he said members thought it tied in with TT ’s hunger needs and also thought it a good way to bring awareness to the situation.

Scoutstt next move was the “Stop the Bus” campaign in Woodbrook where members went knocking on doors for donations from the residents.

“Since then we have placed collection bins in Massy Stores, and last week we launched the ‘Gift a Bag’ ticket, which is in fact a donation to be collected on certain days,” Mendoza said.

The distribution dates are September 30 and October 28, and the collection venues for those food packages are at Boodram’s Den, Lady Hailes Avenue in San Fernando, Charran’s Bookstore Chaguanas and Feel Warehouse, Fernandes Industrial Centre.

Scoutstt was largely assisted by the Massy Foundation that assumed the role of title sponsor for the project, while Feel assisted with finding homes or locating families in need, as well as their distribution network.

However, while Scoutstt will be assisting on distribution day the association is open to individual support from anyone who wants to assist in the actual operation.

“We need a lot of volunteers on the day to pack out the goods. So they can call the office at 624-7271 to make the necessary arrangements,” Mendoza said.