(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) On Saturday, Nov. 13 local Boy Scout troops will do a good deed for the Salvation Army and its efforts to feed hungry people. “We will be going door-to-door collecting food,” said the Boy Scouts Arrowhead District Commander Major Russell Fritz. “We also will be collecting food in front of some of the Stater Brothers stores in the San Bernardino area.”
Boy Scouts from San Bernardino, Rialto, Colton, Highland and Bloomington will help collect food for the Salvation Army. Major Fritz estimates this to be about 65 troops, ranging in size from 5 to 40 boys.
They are participating in a nationwide event the Boy Scouts of America calls Scouting for Food.
“All of the Boy Scout troops in San Bernardino and Riverside counties have been invited to participate in Scouting for Food,” Major Fritz said. “We want to help as many local charities as we can.”
Each Scouting for Food drive benefits a local charity. For instance, other troops within the Arrowhead District serve the San Bernardino County mountain communities, and will take their food to a shelter in Blue Jay.
On Thanksgiving Day, the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps hosts a Thanksgiving Dinner that often brings in 700 to 900 people. Although much of the food served at that dinner is fresh, some of the non-perishable items the Boy Scouts collect may be included.
In December, the San Bernardino Corps assembles holiday food baskets for more than 700 local families. The donations it receives from the Boy Scouts will be included in those baskets.
The San Bernardino Corps also needs food every day for those at its Hospitality House homeless shelter. Up to 75 family members can stay in its emergency family shelter, and another 25 or so people sleep in the cold weather shelter, which recently opened for the fall and winter 2010-11 cold season.
It also needs food for up to 200 people who receive a free dinner served six nights a week.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian church and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.