Scouts feed the hungry at Thanksgiving

RUMFORD -- Scouts from Pack 580, Troop 580 and Girl Scout Troop 954 served Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 18 to about 80 members of the community.

This dinner was free to the public and all the sides and desserts were donated by the scouts and their families. Adult volunteers cooked 11 turkeys. Most of those were from NewPage employees who donated the free turkey they get from the company as a holiday gift. Thank you to all who donated, either food or time, especially Bob McPherson and Mike True who have faithfully manned the kitchen for the last four years and the Girl Scouts who stayed to help clean up the dishes and the hall.

Donations were accepted this year and given to the Praise Assembly of God. Approximately 120 pounds of groceries and $65 in cash were collected for the food pantry. Remaining cooked and perishable food was brought to the House of Peace to feed the families that are staying there.

When asked why they like helping with the dinner, the following scouts said:

Tiger Cub Colby Frisbie said, “It’s nice to help other people and it’s fun.”

Older scouts take it a little more seriously.

Tenderfoot Scout Jake True said,“To see people smile when they get a warm meal on a cold day.”

Webelos 2 Sean Gould said, “I like talking to the guests and making new friends. Last year, I met a Vietnam Veteran that was involved in Napalm.”

There is a definite sense of pride when you look at the faces of the boys and girls who were helping that day.