Cub Scout Service Project

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.