Boy Scouts go scouting for food in March
Helping the community and being a Boy Scout go hand-in-hand.
Kurtis Grothoff, district executive for the Boy Scouts of America in Springfield and surrounding areas, sees the benefits from Scouts partnering with nonprofits to address pressing needs.
Local Scouts will join with Ozarks Food Harvest next month to do just that when they go door-to door collecting nonperishable food for the 28th annual Scouting for Food.
Last year’s drive collected a record 29,745 pounds of food and $442 to provide 27,000 meals.
“The Boy Scouts of the Ozark Trails Council in southwest Missouri participate in the Scouting for Food drive because it is rooted in the very foundation of the Scouting movement and its dedication to implement good character development and morals for the future leaders of our communities, country and world,” Grothoff said. “Scouts learn how to take care of others and their community and they do so by giving their own time and energy to help someone in need.”
Plastic grocery sacks will be dropped off in neighborhoods throughout the month of March, with pick-up typically taking place the following weekend. The drive wraps up on Saturday, March 25 with a one-day, community-wide food drive at four Springfield Walmart locations.
Community members can either donate food in grocery sacks left on their door, or donors can give at Walmart stores on Independence and Campbell from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Walmart Neighborhood Markets on East Republic and South Glenstone from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on March 25.
Donations will also be accepted at the Ozark Trails Council headquarters, 1616 S. Eastgate, and at Ozarks Food Harvest throughout the week leading up to March 25.