Youngstown Scouts, Explorers collect for Christmas baskets

As part of this weekend's Youngstown "Christmas in the Village," members of Youngstown Boy Scout Troop 829 and Pack 829, Youngstown Girl Scouts and the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co. Explorers will be conducting their food collection drive tomorrow en route to packing and distribution to area needy next weekend. And they are asking for your help.

Peggy Hanson, Village Trustee, reports that during the afternoon of Sunday, Dec. 11, Scout members and Explorers will be out collecting canned goods and other non-perishables for the building of the Youngstown/Porter Christmas baskets for 2011. "It's the time we come together to help people in our community at Christmas," says Hanson. Residents are advised to place their items to be donated on front porches and Scouts will be by for pickup.

Going on this week will be the actual assembling of the Christmas baskets by Scouts and Explorers. Local residents are invited to stop by and help as their schedules permit.

•Sorting and wrapping of donated items will take place in the Youngstown Red Brick School Village Center gym, Monday, Dec. 12, through Friday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

•Grocery shopping ventures will be taking place Thursday, Dec. 15, staring at 9 a.m. Those with a van or SUV and interested in helping out can call Hanson at 745-7285. Groups are expected to visit Aldi's in Niagara Falls.

•On Friday, Dec. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. Scouts and volunteers will be sorting canned goods and putting together Christmas baskets for delivery. All are expected to ready for delivery by 9 a.m. next Saturday. Breakfast at The Diner follows. "We celebrate a job well done by such a great group of people," says Hanson.

"The Scouts wish warm wishes to you and your family this holiday season," she adds. Hanson asks the help of local residents, both with donations and to work with the Scouts and Explorers as they prepare baskets this week.

For more information, call Hanson at 745-7285.