The Cub Scouts’ motto is “Do Your Best,” and Canby’s Pack 503 is determined to do their best to make a difference — even in the midst of a global pandemic.
Pack 503 normally meets once a month at Ackerman Center, but their meetings are currently suspended due to school facilities being closed and statewide social distancing guidelines limiting the sizes of gatherings.
Pack Chair Cindy Weinberg said they had some unsold popcorn and jerky from their fundraiser last fall, which they had saved as snacks for meetings. With meetings canceled for the time being, the Scouts decided to donate it all to The Canby Center this week, where demand at its twice-weekly food distributions has more than quadrupled in the past month.
Weinberg and her son, Chase, made the donation Monday. Chase, a Webelo, was dressed in full Cub Scout uniform — complete with cloth face mask. She estimated the value of the donation at about $400.
“Our Pack wanted to help in some way, but without exposing kids,” Weinberg said. “We all best for the two of us to take care of this on their behalf, giving the food that we had to give. The town supports us a lot, so we wanted to share.”
The Pack, about 40 strong and ranging from kindergarten to fourth grade, is normally active in the community, and Weinberg said they look forward to resuming that good work — just as soon as it is safe to do so.
“We love doing service projects, clean-ups and community service,” she said. “We’ll be back at it as soon as businesses and the public can reopen.”
Asked about the donation, The Canby Center said it was incredibly grateful for the Cub Scouts’ thoughtfulness and generosity. And, they added, you know, if any local Girl Scouts had some leftover Samoas lying around, they could probably make use of that, too…
(Editor’s note: The Canby Center didn’t really say that. But we know they are appreciative of Pack 503’s support, as are we. Thank you for supporting vulnerable people and families in our community during this time of need.)
Photos courtesy Cindy Weinberg:
