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Twentynine Palms, California
Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
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T.K. Shelton, 9, Boy Scout Troop 78, encourages patrons to donate during a food drive outside the Commissary Dec. 17, 2011.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Lauren A. Kurkimilis

Boy, Cub Scouts serve community through can drive

22 Dec 2011 | Lance Cpl. Lauren A. Kurkimilis Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms

As Combat Center Commissary patrons walked up to the store’s entrance Dec. 17, 2011, they were greeted by boys from Cub Scout Pack 79 and Boy Scout Troop 78.

The children asked shoppers to think of families in need while shopping inside by purchasing food to donate.

“We collect non-perishable food to give to people that need it,” said Boy Scout T.K. Shelton, age 9. As the day went on, the donations stacked up.

The scouts donated the food to the Armed Services YMCA. Marines who need this food can go down to the ASYMCA and pick it up.

“We do this every month that has five weekends in it,” said Clint K. Blaul, scout master, Boy Scout Troop 78. “It helps out younger Marine families to make ends meet, and this food drive came at a good time with the holiday coming up.”

More than two carts of food were filled up and hauled off in the four short hours the boys ran the food drive. Cans of corn, green beans and ravioli were donated as well as pasta, grits and cereal.

The Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts are known for helping the community, especially during the holidays.

“It feels good knowing we can help other families,” said T.K., son of Capt. Marc Shelton, Electronic Fundamental Training Section training officer, Company A, Marine Corps Communication- Electronics School.

The Girl Scouts also did something similar this year.

“They held their own food drive called ‘Caroling for Cans,’” Blaul said.

The girls went to various commands and houses, singing holiday tunes in exchange for canned goods. Their collection also went to the ASYMCA.

“Events like this give the kids a chance to get out there and learn a sense of community,” said Capt. Shelton. “And they really enjoy it.”


Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms