In our Cub Scout pack, we have been discussing getting a service
project going, and in actuality, we have been working on it personally
for a while now. When I went to a leadership and planning meeting in
our council for an upcoming Cub Weekend Campout, it was brought up
about wanting a simple service project for the Scouts that weekend in
which to participate. A few ideas were tossed about but we were a bit
more pragmatic and prepared with the concept since we were already
planning it.
The idea we had for a service project is simple. A lot of people
travel, stay at hotels, get free samples in the mail, etc. of toiletry
items. Nursing homes, homeless shelters, women's shelters, halfway
houses, etc. have need of these basic items. I personally have
collected an entire box full of these items. Items such as toothpaste,
razors, toothbrushes, small bar soap, shampoo, conditioner, hand
lotion, and the like are often needed and are easy to obtain. Whenever
I stay in hotels, I get more of these than I personally ever use. My
dentist gives me a small toothpaste sample and toothbrush every six
months that I rarely use, since I have an abundance of these items in
the house. Homeless shelters and women's shelters in particular have
said that they prefer the travel size items since most people who stay
are short term.
Well, the idea struck a chord with the council director and it looks
like the entire Tuscarora Council will be having boys participate in
this project. October 18-21 is our camping weekend, and so is our
target for the large collection day. In our pack, we had planned on
this being an ongoing project.
If you would like to help out with this project, feel free to pass
along any travel items, samples you get in the mail, hotel provided
toiletries, etc. on to John Dolan, Sharon, or myself. We already have
established contacts with a few organizations and they have expressed
the need and willingness to receive donations. Of course, anything you
may pick up besides travel items would also be appreciated and welcomed.
Below is a picture of just some of the items I have collected over the
past few years that have filled a Moist and Meaty dog food box.
Anything you can help out with would be appreciated.
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