Thank you citizens of Page and the LeChee Chapter residences

Boy Scouts say thanks

Posted

Thank you to those who made an effort to donate food to the Page Community Food Drive on March 4. The Boy Scouts of America, Lake Powell District, sponsored the food drive with scouts, scout leaders and volunteers placing flyers on 90 percent of the residences in the two communities and business in our area, picking up donated goods along residential curbs and driveways and placing Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts at entrance doors of food stores.
A special thanks to Safeway, Walmart, Big O Tire, Slackers, Big Lake Trading Post, Page Lumber and Boston’s Ace Hardware in sharing flyers with customers and KPEG for announcing the BSA Community Food Drive, plus Pepsi for providing banners for this event. We al recognize all the volunteer trucks and trailers that picked up goods and hauled donations to the Community Food Bank.
Though we had a successful drive, the amount of donations collected was the smallest amount donated in several years for the extra and increased effort to reach out to the community for this important community need. As a community, we can do much better. The purpose of our food drives is to assist the food bank in feeding the hungry, less fortunate and financial poor individuals and families needing assistance. I praise the unsung heroes (volunteers at the food bank and food kitchen) for the countless hours devoted to this cause and program.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank some of those heroes, including the extended effort by Ruth Soloman, program director, Norm Maxwell, Mary Siebrecht, Leah Bird, Bob Mulkins, Loretta Lewis, Tim Windle and all the other unnamed volunteers. Secondly, the food bank is always grateful for what is received.

Occasionally, the food program is criticized that the program is abused so many tend not to donate and/or volunteer. This is very minimal due to the application and evaluation conducted. We would prefer not to worry about a few who try to deceive than miss the many who need our help. You only need to visit on the days the donations are distributed to see the families and individuals who wait in long lines, many times enduring both hot and cold temperatures in order to get enough to sustain themselves. Many return to work when the community offers jobs or becomes active with tourism.
One only needs to see the needy, where some not even have vehicles and carry food home in bags, boxes and backpacks and walk long distances or ride a bicycle. I feel we have an obligation to those of us who are fortunate and have the means or time or both, to feed the less fortunate.
I personally thank my scouting colleagues, Jeff Knight, Allen Nelson and others, volunteers and our youth for helping me, particularly in this latest drive, for coming to my aide when I had to leave early due to an extended family passing. It really meant a lot for me having to turn over the remaining event responsibilities, under short notice.
Thank you again.

Dennis Dudley
Lake Powell District