Truitt Lauds Boy Scouts for Food Collection Effort

Scouts collected enough food for nearly 100 Christmas meals

WEST CHESTER – Rep. Dan Truitt (R-Chester) issued a special thank you today to Chester County Boy Scouts for their efforts to collect food for The Salvation Army of West Chester after it lost all of its perishable items when a refrigerator malfunctioned.

“This effort by the Boy Scouts goes to the very heart of scouting – fostering civic responsibility,” said Truitt. “When the scouts heard about the devastated Salvation Army food program, they came through in a big way, collecting approximately 100 turkeys, along with non-perishable food and monetary donations. Their actions will help to feed local families during the holidays and make Christmas a little brighter for those in need.”

Truitt, a merit badge counselor with Troop 14, facilitated the collection with 11 Boy Scout troops in Chester County. More than 40 individual scouts and their families participated.

The Salvation Army will supplement part of or the entire meal for 750 families in Chester County. The food donations will help to provide holiday meals and enough provisions through the Christmas break from school. Additionally, The Salvation Army provides served meals on major holidays and throughout the week.

“The community has certainly risen to the occasion, and we are overwhelmed by the generosity of those who made donations. Our prayers have been answered,” said Major Gerald Morgan, commanding officer with The Salvation Army of West Chester. “We are determined to provide enough food to sustain those we serve through the holiday season. The Boy Scouts have made all the difference in ensuring a successful mission for Christmas 2010.”

Chester County has seen a 54 percent increase in food requests this year. Nearly 30 percent of requests are coming from individuals and families who have never sought assistance in the past. Much of the increase is due to the difficult economy, and The Salvation Army is helping many people who are out of work or facing other financial difficulties.

“As I begin my first term as a state representative, this is a wonderful reminder of the caliber of citizens I am serving,” said Truitt. “When we are faced with a challenge that seems insurmountable, we pull together and work through it. Knowing that so many families will be helped this year is proof that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in West Chester.”