Chatham Boy Scouts Help Feed First Responders, Hospital Workers

CHATHAM, NJ — Boy Scout Troop 8 in Chatham found a way to help the helpers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The troop added a donation category to their annual popcorn sales, which support activities. People were asked to buy popcorn that the boys could then deliver to the Chatham Emergency Squad and staff at University Hospital, Newark.

Read the message below from Assistant Scoutmaster Scott C. Kuperman:

"Finish this question: 'Girl Scouts are to cookies as Scouts BSA ("Boy Scouts") are to______'. If you answered popcorn, you'd be right. Despite the pandemic, Scouts across New Jersey have been safe and successful at selling popcorn as their major annual fundraiser. Monies generated drive activities that develop youth to learn skills, remain physically active, grow in spirit, and help them succeed in all walks of life. By karmic example, the Scouts from Troop 8 in Chatham, NJ added a donation category to their sales efforts. Last autumn, the Troop's popcorn customers, consisting of family members, neighbors, and random passers-by, were asked to buy popcorn that those Scouts would then physically deliver to our tired and weary first responders and emergency healthcare workers on the Covid-19 front. The Scouts delivered their collected treats to the hardworking staff of the Chatham Emergency Squad, and the staff at University Hospital, Newark.

Pictured here from left to right, Scouts and leaders: Scott Kuperman, Mark Pasko, Dr. Roger Turbin, and Gabriel Turbin hold just a small sampling of popcorn while flanking a University Hospital worker. Out of all of the donated products, Scouts efficiently created a total of 378 individual gift bags each containing several packages of delicious microwaveable popcorn. Another 62 large bags, tins, and containers of flavored popcorn, trail mix, and salted cashews were also collected and distributed. Each bag or product included a personalized thank you card that read, 'Thank you for your service and sacrifice to our community and for working tirelessly on our behalf, and on behalf of all the patients and their families who need help now more than ever.'"

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