Cub Scout Pack 914 of Islamorada raised over $2,000 in food items for the First Baptist Church of Islamorada Food Ministry recently. The food pantry is located at The First Baptist Church of Islamorada (81201 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada).
Earlier this month, the pack parked in front of the Winn Dixie in Tavernier as part of “Scouting for Food,” an annual food drive. They collected things like non-perishable food items, canned proteins and vegetables, soups, juices, grains and cereals. They also collected donations, which were used to purchase and deliver food directly to the food pantry.
Originating as a scout’s service project in St. Louis, Missouri in 1985, “Scouting for Food” has turned into the nation’s largest single-day food drive. The effort aims to alleviate food insecurity for children and to feed those in need in the community.
Melissa Stanfill, one of the volunteer leaders of Cub Scout Pack 914, was grateful. “‘Scouting for Food’ 2019 was a huge success,” she said. Wowed by the amount they were able to raise in just six hours, Stanfill credits the tremendous generosity of the Keys community and the hard work of the pack’s scouts and volunteers.
Pack 914’s participation aligns with the goal to teach the scouts the value of helping others by giving back to their communities.
In response to the generous donation, Steve Olsen of the Food Ministry said, “We will have full shelves this week thanks to your efforts.” He continued, praising the scouts for their commitment to helping those less fortunate in the community. “We so much appreciate your commitment.… God Bless You!”
The food pantry is open every Tuesday, and a free community dinner is served Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. All are welcome. To learn more about Cub Scout Pack 914 and to participate in its next event, visit https://www.facebook.com/Pack914FloridaKeys/.
