We're down to less than two days until we distribute Scouting for Food bags, and I think we're ready.  Thank you for your efforts to date.  If this is the first newsletter I've sent you, then you may view older ones at: http://home.earthlink.net/~blshiflett/s4f-newsletters.htm.

Bag Distribution Weekend

Good luck in getting the bags out this weekend.  I know you'll do your best to keep the Scouts safe as they canvass the neighborhoods.  If you have an issue that requires my attention, please contact me on my wireless phone.  If there is an issue regarding the safety or well-being of a Scout who participates in Scouting for Food, please contact our District Director, Brian McGuire, on 703-434-2833.  I have extra bags this year, so don't hesitate to call me if your unit runs out of bags.  I'll be able to deliver extras on Saturday.  My wireless phone number is 703-405-6341.

Pack and Troop Local Collection Boxes

One of the pleasures of my job is fielding telephone calls and e-mails from folks in the community who contact me to ask: "Where can I drop off food donations for the Scouts?"  Rather than sending them to a Holiday Coalition collection site, I'd prefer to send them to one of the collection boxes that you set up in your neighborhoods.  Please send me the location of your collection boxes, so that I may send donors in that direction.  If the collection box is only accessible during certain hours, please let me know the available times.  If you are interested in whether there are Holiday Coalition collection sites in your area, please check: http://www.loudoun.gov/dss/holiday/events.htm.

Yard Signs I have begun delivering yard signs to those units who have confirmed their orders.  I have lots of signs available, at $3.75 apiece including the ground stake.  I'll follow up with those of you who previously expressed interest, so that you can get your signs this weekend.

Food Collection Day - November 11

Our plans for staffing the four collections sites are going well.  Scouting for Food in Loudoun County relies on the service of the Boy Scout Troops that staff our collection centers.  Our Order of the Arrow chapter will be staffing Messiah's Market and LINK.  Troop 1158 will also be staffing LINK.  In Purcellville, Troops 163 and 711 will handle receiving and sorting operations.  At the Holiday Coalition, Troops 997 and 961 will handle receiving and weighing operations, and Troops 761 and 1550 will sort food.   This food drive would not be a success without their help.  

If you have any doubt about where and when to take your food to a collection center, please contact me.

As always, if you want to discuss any aspect of Scouting for Food, please give me a call at 703-737-3325 (day/evening), 703-405-6341 (cell), or send me e-mail at blshiflett@earthlink.net.  Thanks for all you are doing to help our neighbors in need.

Yours in Scouting,

Brian Shiflett
Scouting for Food Coordinator, Goose Creek District