Local Boy Scouts from Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson, hosted a day of community service and donated over 5,000 pounds of food to three local food panties: City Line in Jersey City, Eva’s Village in Paterson and St. John’s in Newark. They also delivered 1,000 lunches to local COVID Superheroes at the Newark Police Department, University Hospital, Essex County Sheriff’s Department, Jersey City Police Department, and Jersey City Medical Center on Thursday, August 27, 2020. The troops gathered for an opening program at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) before setting out to make their deliveries. At the end of the day, a representative from each food pantry came to accept the donations and be recognized for their service to the community.
Community service has always been a large part of the Scouting program and this day is a demonstration of how these Scouts pay it forward one neighborhood at a time. This event was not only a token of gratitude but a chance for the Scouts to let their heroes know they appreciate their dedication and stand with them. “For these local Scouts, making a difference in their community is especially meaningful. This event is more than just a day of community service, it is an opportunity for young people to make a difference for their friends and neighbors. This experience will stay with them and, along with the values shared through Scouting, help them to develop into future leaders with integrity, passion and the knowledge to make a difference,” said Rafael Toro, Director of Public Relations, Goya Foods and Scoutreach Committee member.
Every year the NNJC Scoutreach Committee host the Good Scout Award Diner, a fundraising gala that also recognizes prominent leaders and business professionals for their service in combating issues that affect families in inner cities. This year, the Good Scouts Awards are dedicated to the Superheroes in healthcare and first responders who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, accepting their role and taking on the vast unknown dangers at the front lines of this global crisis.
Participating Scouts come from several program areas of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA): Scoutreach, Exploring, and STEM Scouts. Their interests differ vastly with the nature of their program curricula however they share the goal of using their talents to make a difference in the world around them. With the support of partners like Goya Foods, PNC, Mass Mutual and other community supporters, the Northern New Jersey Council and Boy Scouts of America (NNJC) are able to facilitate events like these to empower youth in their ambitions and develop them into the leaders that our communities need.
To learn more about how you can support Scoutreach Initiative, a truly exceptional community service project, please visit NNJBSA.org/Scoutreach.
