Troop 4077 Scouts Spread Some Holiday Cheer

December 2008 -- Ten Troop 4077 Scouts demonstrated their commitment to their community by volunteering at the United Communities Ministry Back Porch thrift store.  The Scouts arrived at the Back Porch Store at 10 a.m. not sure of what was ahead.  The store staff quickly put the boys to work, giving them a firsthand opportunity to see how the thrift store functions.  

During their eight hours on the job, the Scouts arranged items on the floor for sale, received and helped sort donated items, and placed clothes on hangers for sale.  They developed an appreciation for how hard the store staff works every day and how generous our community is.  Donations were delivered to the back door nonstop from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and, if not for the assistance of the Scouts, would have overwhelmed the regular staff.

Several Scouts showed a deft touch at organizing merchandise and serving customers, skills that would probably surprise their parents.  The store manager complimented the Scouts’ on their eagerness to help and cheerful conduct of all requested tasks.  The Scouts lunched at the Country Buffet restaurant next door, enjoying a wide selection of food and a Boy Scout discount thanks to the manager whose son also is a Scout.

One of the highlights of the day was loading a 16-foot truck from floor to ceiling with donated clothes. The boys inexplicably enjoyed forming a chain and passing or throwing the bagged clothes at each other. There was a time in the hanging room during which the boys weren’t sure if they would ever be done.  But before we knew it, it was time for the store to close and for the boys to go home, after eight hours of arduous but rewarding work.  With tired bodies and the sure knowledge that they had made a difference, the Scouts went home with holiday cheer.