Exeter Scouts Create Christmas Wreaths For Knights Of Columbus

EXETER, NH — Scouts in Exeter have been working to assist the Knights of Columbus with this year's Christmas wreath sale after its normal supplier fell through — and the results have benefited both organizations, while also teaching important lessons about entrepreneurship.

The Exeter Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal service organization, has been selling wreaths as part of its annual fundraiser for many years. The profits from the wreaths are used to support the org's charitable work. But at the last minute, the Knight's normal supplier fell through and the drive was in jeopardy.

That is when Exeter Boy Scout Troop 323 stepped in to assist.

The scouts, who are chartered through St. Michael's Church, worked to create hundreds of wreaths for the org.

"I really didn’t know what to expect," said Doug Wilson of the Knights of Columbus. "But the scouts exceeded all of our expectations."

Surrounding communities also found themselves in a similar situation where commercial suppliers were unable to fill orders. The scouts though worked to secure other suppliers and managed production — with shifts of scouts working to produce the wreaths. The ended up with so many wreaths that they were able to sell them on their own, too, along with other items such as decorations.

"Not only did the scouts maintain the quality we expected from commercial suppliers but they added an ability to respond to custom orders," Wilson said. "They really brought a level of professionalism that shows how valuable the scouting program is."

Garvin Louie, a scoutmaster, said the suppliers falling through was a blessing in disguise — it allowed the scouts to "learn by doing," have the opportunity "to build what was essentially a business, from just a concept," and entrepreneurship.

"They not only provided us a safe fundraiser when our other usual drives were canceled due to COVID, but it gave the scouts skills and experience they will use a lifetime," he said. "(It was) amazing to watch."

The wreaths are on sale at St. Michael's at 9 Lincoln St. in Exeter, from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday; from 2 to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish at 298 Lafayette Road in Hampton; and at St. Mary's at 182 Main St. in Newmarket from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Anyone who cannot purchase a wreath during those times or needs assistance can visit this website.

Anyone interested in scouting in Exeter can contact the troop at Troop323Exeter@gmail.com.

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