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The idea of standing outside a supermarket on a cold and damp winter day may not be fun for many but for a group of Cub Scouts and their families it was a wonderful day. That cold and rainy day in February was the day for my son’s Cub Scout Pack’s annual food drive to benefit City Harvest. Cub Scout Pack 255 of Queens NY is an active pack with big hearts. Throughout the year we have toy drives, coat drives and many other events to benefit the community and the environment. The boys give every event their all, especially when it is a project that benefits others. Most boys and their families not only honor the shift they sign up for, but they stay longer and give more.

For a few boys this was their first food drive. Quite a few lessons were learned that day. We saw many things that made us proud, not only of the boys and their families but proud of those in our community too. We learned that everyone can help. We saw everyone doing what they could. First, there was the Key Food Supermarket who graciously allowed us to set up in front of their store. We saw young boys in first grade, brave and articulate, asking others to help Cub Scout Pack 255 help the needy. We saw older boys in second, third, fourth and fifth grade teaching the younger ones what to do and helping store patrons with their bags. Of course, the food drive would not have been successful if it weren\’t for the store patrons who not only gave what they could, but inspired and encouraged the boys with their kindness and compliments. Even the vendors making deliveries either donated to the drive or supplied some snacks for the scouts.

The donations varied greatly from bags of rice to cans of soup. Some passersby were able to donate a 20 pound bag of rice or a bag filled with canned goods. Others were able only to spare a can or two or handed us a dollar so we could purchase something on their behalf. Many of those who gave were also struggling and to see them give is inspiring. That single can or box from a person on a limited income is priceless.

Another valuable lesson the boys learned is that every little bit helps. By the end of the day those single cans and boxes of food amounted to over 1,200 pounds of food. Over 1,200 pounds on a cold and rainy winter day when many people probably just stayed home rather than go out shopping. This food was later delivered to City Harvest and earmarked to help feed the needy in our area.

My son and my daughter always look forward to working the food drive and similar events whether it is through Scouts or another organization. My children feel like it is their chance to help. When we talk about the homeless or people who are struggling to feed themselves or their families they are saddened. Many times children feel powerless to help and I believe that we need to show our children they can help and can contribute. Participating in events like the food drive or contributing to a charity reminds us we can all do our share. It also reminds us that many people do care about others and that gives us all strength and power. It also gives us, and our children, hope. A little hope goes a long way.

The reward for that day is not measured by the patches the boys earned. The rewards are in the lessons learned and the knowledge that we all did what we could to help others.