LETTERS: SCOUTING FOOD DRIVE IS BIG SUCCESS

To the editor:

"Scouting for Food" has been another success. Once again the citizens of Cape Girardeau, Perry, Bollinger and the northern parts of Scott and Stoddard counties proved that when the need arises to help others, they are there and willing to help.

In Jackson alone, over 9,000 cans of food were collected, packaged and distributed to Jackson area food banks. In Cape Girardeau, 18,000 cans were collected; Perryville, 8,000; Marble Hill, 2,400; Scott City, 3,200; Chaffee, 3,000; Advance, 1,500; Leopold, 600; and Zalma, over 650.

All food collected locally was distributed locally. The great success of this year's food drive was due largely in part to the generosity and kindness of the fine people of our communities.

There are those who provided invaluable assistance in other ways that helped make this event truly a community effort. The Jackson Fire Department provided a safe, clean and warm areas to be used as the drop-off point where food was separated, counted and boxed before distribution. The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department provided the Arena Park FFA barn as a drive-through drop-off location.

And let us not forget to thank those Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorers and Venturing Crews and volunteer leaders who took the time and energy to distribute and collect the food bags. Your accomplishments of today will be remembered throughout the year.

HOWARD MEAGLE, "Scouting for Food" Chairman

Boy Scouts of America Shawnee District

Cape Girardeau

DON REID, Jackson Rotary Club and "Scouting for Food" Chairman

Boy Scout Troop 11

Jackson