Every once in a while, something happens that really solidifies what we do.
I was riding an elevator at a local hotel when it stopped on the next floor down. As an older couple stepped in, the gentleman eyed me up and down (as I was in my uniform) and asked, “Are you a Scout Executive?”
I confirmed that I was and he said, “Let me just say, thank you for the fortitude and willingness to stick with it these past few years. We need you out there doing what you do.”
The doors opened and I stepped out into the lobby. They exited in the opposite direction and I heard him say to his wife, “Thank God there are still people in this world doing the right thing!”
As you all know, tragedy recently struck the community of Lahaina in Maui, Hawaii. I have paid close attention to the matter as one of our colleagues, Julie Evans, is the District Director of that very area. I reached out to Julie to check on her. She is doing well. She noted that she recently started a pack in Lahina, and that of the 34 members, 30 of them have lost their homes. (See how to join relief efforts at the bottom of this post.)
I cannot imagine navigating such a difficult situation. But Julie, and Scouting, are at the center of helping others. The Scouts are building grates to sift through the ashes of their homes, they are collecting PPE equipment for use as cleanup begins and they have opened their Scout Camp as a family shelter for those with no place to go. A true testament to the heart and soul of a Scout.
The reality is that no matter what the world throws at us, Scouting is prepared. We step up and help others and indeed it IS needed.
So I say to all of you, Scouts, parents, volunteers, and donors: “Thank God you are out there doing the right thing!”
Yours in Scouting,
Jory Dellinger
Scout Executive & CEO
If you are interested in supporting Alhoa Council’s Maui Fire Relief efforts, donations can be made through the following link: Maui Relief Effort – Aloha Council
Scouts are also collecting PPE for cleanup. They need respirators, N95 masks, Tyvek suits, gloves, and eye protection.
Items can be sent to:
The Maui Scout Office, 200 Liholiho Street, Wailuku, HI 96793
To learn more about how to help our Scouting family in Maui, visit https://www.scoutinghawaii.org/
