ARLINGTON They raised more than 900 pounds of food two years ago, but after barely more than a week of collecting for local families in need this year, Arlington Cub Scouts of America Pack 92 had already surpassed its goal of 1,500 pounds of food for this holiday season.
Greg Vaughn, cub master of Pack 92, couldnt be prouder, even though this means that he, his sister and his son will all be getting their heads shaved Jan. 24, with help from the West Avenue Barber Shop.
Our new official goal is 2,600 pounds of food, but well probably beat even that, said Vaughn, whos serving as cub master of the pack. These boys have gone way above and beyond.
Vaughn and his pack returned to the Arlington Safeway Dec. 16, after their previous collection drive at the store Dec. 2. The revised thermometer showed that theyd already raised more than 1,800 pounds of food before their latest stint at the Safeway had even started, and Vaughn estimated that the days total would probably add up to more than 400 pounds of food.
Weve received almost $400 in cash donations that were waiting to spend until we hear from the food bank what they need, said Vaughn, who noted that his pickup truck was already half full halfway into the Dec. 16 collection drive at Safeway. Weve gotten calls from people all over town, several of whom read the story in The Arlington Times, asking if we can pick up food from them. Its been quite an outpouring.
Weve just got a good group of families here, said Lisa Vaughn. We couldnt have done it without Safeway, either. Theyve even run off fliers for us.
Cary Kooy, an assistant den leader, said her den went door-to-door in two neighborhoods one night, and raising 760 pounds of food.
Theyve just been so excited to help, Kooy said. Theyve really made an effort.
The scouts themselves laughed as they admitted that seeing their cub master get his head shaved was a big incentive, but they also urged their fellow community members to think of those in need.
We should remember that there are people who dont have enough food, said cub Steven Vaughn. There are people who are out on the streets.
They could be starving without our help, said cub Dustin Harman.
The packs annual donation drive for the Arlington Food Bank continues through Dec. 20. Vaughn recommended canned goods and non-perishables, and emphasized the importance of such campaigns, during the holidays and all year round. People need help all over, Vaughn said. Its easy to get in a bad spot. Teaching kids to give back is part of the Cub Scout spirit. You really wind up touching these families lives.
Vaughn urged those who wish to pitch in to contact him, at 360-435-7297, or to donate to the food bank directly, as long as his cubs get credit for sending them.