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Come January, we expect that many area families are paying off Christmas debts while anticipating higher fuel and utility bills as Old Man Winter turns cranky.
Although budgets might be stretched, we hope all who can will target a few hard-earned dollars for two very deserving fundraisers happening now: The annual Boy Scouting campaign and Girl Scouting’s cookie sales.
Please don’t pass the buck to others. Scouting programs have earned everyone’s support.
No one can argue the longtime success of Scouting in helping shape the futures of our young people.
“It’s more than learning how to tie knots and build fires,” said Robin L. Quillon, 2012 chairman of the Greater Johnstown Partnership for (Boy) Scouting Campaign.
“Scouts learn the skills that will help them become future leaders.”
As a former Boy Scout and the father of an Eagle Scout, Quillon has seen firsthand the rewards the organization offers. His fundraising team has taken on a $115,000 goal.
“This is an aggressive goal, but I believe it is attainable,” said Quillon, publisher of The Tribune-Democrat.
“This money provides local services and support to all Scouting programs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Indiana and Somerset counties, and portions of Armstrong, Huntingdon and Westmorland counties.”
A whopping 91 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to support area Scouts and their programs.
The fundraiser will conclude with the 42nd annual Harry E. Mangle
Memorial Dinner, which will be held Feb. 23 at Pasquerilla Conference Center in downtown Johnstown.
Meanwhile, area Girl Scouts have begun door-to-door sales of boxes of cookies, with deliveries scheduled between Feb. 16 and 23.
“All of the proceeds from the cookie program stay in western Pennsylvania to serve thousands of girls and adult volunteers, helping make Girl Scouts one of the most affordable yet personally enriching activities a girl can choose,” said Cori Begg, Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania promotions and advertising manager.
At $4 a box, they’re a tasty treat at a real bargain.
Many troops use the proceeds from sales for events, camps and travel opportunities.
In addition to the door-to-door sales, Girl Scout cookie booths will be open from Feb. 24 to March 11 at grocery stores, sporting events or in other high-traffic areas.
Eat up.
Helping out
Tax-deductible donations in the form of a check can be sent to: Laurel Highlands Council, Boy Scouts of America, c/o The Tribune-Democrat/Boy Scouts, 425 Locust St., Johnstown, Pa. 15907-0340.
The Tribune-Democrat will be publishing a weekly update in the paper, listing the names (not the amounts) of everyone who donates.
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People looking for a Girl Scout cookie booth location can go on the Girl Scout council’s website, www.gswpa.org.
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