Cole Duval, a member of Boy Scout Troop 114, is seen with a sign indicating food drop off dates (photo submitted).
SOUTHWICK-Since he was a Tiger Cub, Cole Duval knew he wanted to make a difference in Boy Scouts.
This month, Duval and his fellow members of Boy Scout Troop 114 will be out in force to collect food for those less fortunate which will be distributed during the holiday season.
“We are looking for everyone’s help to make this year’s Scouting for Food drive a success,” said Duval, adding, “Our Community Food Pantry could really use our help at this time of the year.”
The food pantry, based at 220 College Highway, collects food for residents in Southwick, Granville and Tolland.
Duval, 15, is the son of Joanne and Danny Duval of Tolland. He is coordinating the logistics for the holiday food drive with Scoutmaster Todd Westcott.
This past week, troop members and volunteers gathered at the Congregational Church to staple flyers and bags together for the first phase of the food drive.
“On Nov. 12, we need people to help distribute the bags,” said Duval, adding he encourages Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts to also get involved. “The more people we can get to do routes the faster this goes for all of us.”
Volunteers wishing to help out are asked to meet at the Daily Grind coffee shop starting at 9 on Nov. 12 to pick up a route map and bags.
“Each team should have a driver and runners that can go and hang the bags on door knobs,” said Duval, noting that town residents should all receive a flyer and bag on that date.
On Nov. 19, volunteers are once again needed to pick up food and bring it to the food pantry. Residents are asked to put food out by one’s mailbox after 9 a.m.
“Come to the food pantry and get a route at 9 a.m.,” said Duval, adding that volunteers would pick up the food and deliver it to the food pantry.“We also need volunteers to work at the food pantry sorting and storing food.”
Since this endeavor is a multi-community effort, Duval said that Tolland residents havealso always been a “huge supporter” of the Scouting for Food drive.
“We are very short on volunteers in Tolland so we are trying something new,” said Duval. “The Fire Department is letting us use their big red trailer and we have parked it outside of the Public Safety Complex. We will collect food in the trailer now through Nov. 19.”
Duval added that the food collected will be delivered by firemen on the morning of Nov. 19.
“Please drop off your items any time you need to go to the PSC,” said Duval. “Let’s see if we can really make a difference.”
Duval added that volunteers are also needed in Granville to ensure the food drive is a success.
“We will be parking our Boy Scout trailer near the Town Hall and Firehouse until Nov. 19,” said Duval, noting that all donations will be delivered to the food pantry that morning.
“If you are able to help on any or all of these dates we would love to have you join us,” said Duval, adding he can be reached at (413) 258-4089 or via email to [email protected] for more information.
For more details on Our Community Food Pantry, call (413) 569-9876.
