Saturday’s good weather and the generosity of citizens of Mower County helped the Scouting for Food project reach a new record total.

Monday, March 13, 2000

Saturday’s good weather and the generosity of citizens of Mower County helped the Scouting for Food project reach a new record total.

According to Keven Maxa and Brenda Martin, co-chairs of the project, 9,187 pounds of non-perishable food items were collected.

Last year, 7,300 pounds were collected and 18,000 pounds throughout the Twin Valley District.

After the collection closed at midday Saturday, more food items were trickling into the Salvation Army Austin Corps and more is expected this week so the total could increase.

Through midday Saturday, the 9,187 pounds total included 8,260 from Austin; 299 pounds from Adams; 133 pounds from Brownsdale and 495 pounds from Dexter and Elkton.

The annual food drive is an "equal opportunity" project for both boys and girls. Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Brownie Scouts and Cub Scouts all participated.

In all, 114 boys and girls were busy going door to door to pick up food items left on front porches in the bright red bags circulated last week.

Another 58 adults, both men and women, assisted.

When the food items were delivered to the Salvation Army Austin Corps for storage in the emergency food pantry, the sight was "unbelievable."

That’s how Capt. Douglas Yeck, officer in charge, described the scene at the Community Center.

"I’m pleased, very pleased, but more than that I’m just amazed," Yeck said. "It was unbelievable to see how those kids worked and how well-organized they were. They’ve got this job down to a science."

Yeck and other Salvation Army representatives expressed their appreciation to the citizens who donated the food and to the scouts who collected it.

"We appreciate the generosity very much," Yeck said. "The demands for food have stabilized somewhat compared to last year and the holiday food drive helped a lot. This Scouting for Food project will help carry us into spring and the Salvation Army thanks everyone who contributed."

Martin of Lyle Troop 120 and Maxa, scoutmaster of Austin Troop 113, coordinated the work of other adult volunteers, including Jim Taylor, also of Troop 121.

According to the scouting representatives, anyone desiring to donate more food to the Salvation Army should call the group at 437-4566 for more information.

Any non-perishable food items donated in the name of the Scouting for Food project will be credited to the Mower County total. Maxa praised the efforts in outlying communities, such as Grand Meadow, Lyle, LeRoy, Adams and Rose Creek, as well as rural areas, where citizens donated food.