Scouts leading the way with food drive

To address the disparity, Boy Scouts of America’s Troop 27 has come together to fight against food insecurity. Since 1985, the troop has held its annual Scouting for Food drive for Samaritan House Nov. 16 in Redwood Shores.

Founded more than 70 years ago, Troop 27 has continuously focused on spreading the key components of the Scout Law: being helpful, being kind and being loyal. The troop consists of youth from throughout San Mateo County who are committed to the troop oath of “helping other people at all times.”

This year, the Senior Patrol Leaders are Tyler Robinson and Skye Leinbach. Leading 70 other scouts, Robinson and Leinbach plan and organize troop meetings, fundraisers and monthly outings.

“As a leader, I am looking forward to going around the neighborhood with my troop and leading them to each house to collect donations. I think that it’s really encouraging to see this happening and see my role in it,” Leinbach said.

Heading into the holiday season, millions of Americans are planning for family gatherings, holiday feasts, gift wrapping and festive home decor. But many people will also be unable to experience what has become annual tradition for others due to financial crisis or homelessness. However, we can all expand our circle of warmth and share the holiday spirit by donating to local food drives.

“I feel really good about doing the food drive. It’s a great thing to be able to get food for people who need it, especially since we are in an area where some people are not eligible for government support,” Robinson said.

“You can still donate to different charities and organizations all year round. It isn’t just one specific season. It’s needed all the time because there are people in need [throughout the year],” Leinbach said.

Residents of Redwood Shores are asked to leave food donations outside by 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 16 for scouts to collect as they make their way through the neighborhood. Those living in other areas of San Mateo County can drop food off at Marlin Park on the corner of Cringle and Neptune Drives in Redwood Shores between 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 16.

The food drive accepts donations of nonperishable and nonexpired items such as dried goods, canned goods, broth, cooking oil, tea and baby formula.

Eileen Liu is a senior at Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton. Student News appears in the weekend edition. You can email Student News at news@smdailyjournal.com.