A growing need for help is being met by an enduring pursuit to do good this holiday season.

A few weeks ago, members of Barrington Boy Scouts Troops 46 and 2, and Cub Scout Pack 1 held the 34th annual Scouting for Food Drive in town. The impressive effort included two weekends of work, dozens of local Scouts, and hundreds (if not thousands) of Barrington homes.

The Scouts traveled all over town one weekend distributing flyers about the food drive, and then returned a week later to collect food donated by residents. They also transported all the food to Tap-In, a nonprofit organization in Barrington that helps people in need in East Providence, Warren, Bristol and Barrington. 

In total, the Scouts collected approximately 1.73 tons of food.

Jack Siegel, committee chairman for Boy Scouts Troop 46, was proud of the effort put forth by all the Scouts, their families and those who donated.

“For several years Scouting for Food has been the largest independently-organized service project in town,” Siegel said. “Even during Covid we found ways to succeed in our mission, but this year the need felt particularly immediate and urgent. 

“Tap-In is a literal lifeline to more people than most know. We are all inspired by the dedication of its staff and volunteers. Our success depends on the goodwill and participation from our local citizens and for that we are truly grateful.”

Late last month, officials from Tap-In went public with their concerns about the growing need for donations this holiday season. In a recent Barrington Times article, Pascale Lord, the president of Tap-In, said sky-rocketing food prices have resulted in more people visiting the nonprofit for groceries, toiletries, towels, blankets and other items. 

“The food bank does not have all the items they used to have. There is a shortage on some items,” Lord said, referring to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. “There are some issues with the food bank. That’s one point, and yes, we do have an increase of new people coming and people returning.”

Siegel and the Scouts are hopeful that the Scouting for Food Drive will help meet the increasing need. Siegel said the Scouts who participated in the food drive also gained valuable life lessons. 

“Just two weeks ago these same guys attended a weekend jamboree at Ft. Adams, with several thousand other scouts from across New England,” Siegel said. “It was a total blast. An action-packed adventure none will ever forget. 

“The activities couldn't be more different, but the scout spirit remains palpable for both."

Scouting for more members

Siegal said Barrington Boy Scouts Troops 46 and 2 and Cub Scout Pack 1 are always looking for new members.

"Like so many other organizations, our numbers were decimated by the quarantine,” he said. “Our personal hope is that these public activities can serve as an inspiration for more to get involved, and help further the mission of scouting.”

Any child is 6 or older who is interested learning more about Scouting should visit www.beascout.org