Area Scouts hit streets Saturday to help others

Mid-Missouri Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts will do their part Saturday to help other people during their annual door-to-door Scouting for Food campaign, which benefits the Samaritan Center in Jefferson City and the Central Missouri Food Bank.

"It feels really good to help people and to know that you're making a difference," said Alec Flanagan, 13, of Boy Scout Troop 6 from Immaculate Conception Church.

Last weekend area Scouts in 33 Mid-Missouri counties hit the streets, hanging white plastic bags on residents' doors. On Saturday, they will return to those neighborhoods to pick up the filled bags.

Scouts canvassing Jefferson City will deliver their goods to the Samaritan Center.

"Scouting for Food instills upon the boys a sense of pride and community service," said Troop 6 Scoutmaster Carl Porting. "They also realize there are less fortunate people in our area that need assistance."

Scouts realize the impact of their efforts.

"If people don't donate food, and we don't collect it, then a lot of people are going to go hungry," said Hadley Stonner, 11.

Scouting for Food is critical in replenishing the Samaritan Center's food supply, according to Marylyn DeFeo, the center's volunteer director.

"This is our only major food drive until May," she said. "We hope that people are generous enough to carry us through the next couple of months."

DeFeo said 870 families come to the Samaritan Center for food every month. Since January, 234 new families also have asked for help.

"We need food because we'll care for any family that comes to us," she said. "We don't turn anyone away because it costs an enormous amount of pride to ask for food."

Residents are asked to place bagged donations of non-perishable food outside their front doors by 9 a.m. Saturday. Bags, donated by C&R Markets of California, should be picked up no later than noon.

DeFeo stressed the need for nutritious food children can easily fix for themselves.

Capital Region Medical Center clinical dietitian Nelson Kenner suggested the following items: canned fruit and vegetables, chili, beef stew, tuna, and soups -- especially chunky soups. Other items needed include canned fish, canned meat and dry goods.

Glass items should not be donated.

DeFeo said the center also needs to replenish its stock of dry cereal.

Residents who wish to donate may bring items by the Samaritan Center, 1310 E. McCarty St., or call (573) 634-7776, and someone will pick them up.

Alec Flanagan of Troop 6 hangs a Scouting for Food bag on the front door of a home in eastern Jefferson City. (News Tribune photo)