Local scouts collect, deliver 18,440 pounds of food

PRESS RELEASE DATE: November 13, 2009

Fifteen Martin County boy scout troops and cub scout packs participated in the annual Scouting for Food Drive to benefit the White Doves Holiday Project on Nov. 7.

The scouts picked up and delivered 18,440 pounds of nonperishable food to the Martin County Fairgrounds in Stuart, where volunteers will sort and bag for distribution to less fortunate families in Martin County for Christmas.

“Without a doubt, the number of families being referred will be much higher this year,” White Doves Co-Chair Tom Haley said. “The 42 percent increase in donations from communities that allowed the scouts to place their bags for the residents to fill will have a positive impact this holiday season.”

The White Doves Holiday Project is operated by Martin Volunteers, a United Way of Martin County program. It is a community-wide effort that helped 1,379 less fortunate families in Martin County by providing them with food from the annual Scouting for Food Drive and toys collected through the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, as well as from individuals, businesses, communities and events.

Nonperishable food is still being collected and can be dropped off at the Martin County Fairgrounds from Dec. 3 through 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

Call (772) 221-3560 for deliveries prior to Dec. 3. Call (772) 220-4472 or visit www.martinvolunteers.org for more information.