Great Falls Council of Scouting America teaming with Tops to hold 'Scouting for Food' drive

Tops Friendly Markets press release

Tops Friendly Markets and Great Falls Council, Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America), have teamed up to help alleviate food insecurity in 14 counties from Western to South and Central New York and Central Pennsylvania ahead of the upcoming Passover and Easter season.

The annual “Scouting for Food” drive is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, when Scouting youth and adult volunteers will be present at several Tops Friendly Market stores in Western New York and in neighborhoods throughout the Great Falls Council service area to collect donations for the annual food drive. Area food banks encourage donations of canned meats, canned vegetables, pasta, rice and personal hygiene products to restock their supplies ahead of the upcoming holidays.

“We are grateful for our partnership with Tops Friendly Markets to help restock the shelves at local food banks and help our neighbors in need,” said Gary Decker, CEO of Great Falls Council. " ‘Scouting for Food’ has a positive impact on food banks and on our Scouts, who learn the importance of making a difference in their community and serving others. We appreciate everyone's efforts to make this food drive a success."

The activities kicked off Saturday, March 21, when area Scouting groups distributed flyers in their local neighborhoods to announce the food drive and collection date. Then, on the date noted on the flyers, groups will return to their neighborhoods to collect nonperishable food items, which they will then donate to their community food banks and pantries.

Meanwhile, other Scouting groups will be in the Tops locations listed below to encourage and collect donations from generous store shoppers.

Beginning at 9 a.m., Scouts will be present to collect donations at the following Tops locations:

• 408 West Ave., Albion
• 2351 Maple Road, Amherst (corner of Maple/Transit)
• 2101 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo
• 6150 S. Park Ave., Hamburg
• 906 Center St., Lewiston
• 5827 S. Transit Road, Lockport
• 11200 Maple Ridge Road, Medina
• 301 Meadow Drive, North Tonawanda
• 2956 Saunders Settlement Road, Sanborn
• 890 Young St., Tonawanda
• 150 Niagara St., Tonawanda
• 5274 Main St., and Union Road, Williamsville

Great Falls Council serves more than 4,700 members in Western New York and the Twin Tiers of New York and Pennsylvania with youth-development programs that foster leadership, character, citizenship and fitness. More than 300 units (think “Cub Scouts” and “Scout Troops”) meet in our local communities providing kids a safe, fun environment to learn new things and develop life skills. These groups are open to anyone who's interested in learning more. For more information about Scouting or to find a nearby unit, visit www.BeAScout.org or call 716-891-4073.