By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
It started as a tiny kernel of an idea – how could Boy Scouts do their annual popcorn sales during the coronavirus pandemic?
St. Aloysius Boy Scout Troop 485 came up with a cracker jack plan.
Usually the scouts sell popcorn at “show and tell” tables set outside businesses – where the boys butter up customers with their sales pitches. But COVID-19 made that difficult this year, said Jamie Lynne Gladden, troop leader.
Since the popcorn sale is the troop’s only fundraiser each year, the scouts weren’t willing to just give up.
“We had to get creative,” Gladden said. “How can we do something to help the scouts and community as well?”
So the boys decided to turn the fundraiser into a project that would not only support their troop, but also benefit people struggling with COVID-19.
“There are a lot of people really down and out,” Gladden said.
So why not use the popcorn sale to help people affected by COVID, the scouts decided. That could be first responders, people who are stuck in their homes, people who have suffered from the virus itself.
“They get forgotten about,” Gladden said.
The scout troop is encouraging local residents to order popcorn and send it as gifts – compliments of the boys who will decorate the popcorn containers and deliver the treats to the doors of the recipients.
“We will be making it really special – delivered by a nice, cheery scout” with a face mask on, Gladden said.
If multiple items are ordered, they will be placed in a gift basket – all free of charge.
“The hope is that people will want to surprise and brighten someone’s day,” she said. “We’re hoping to encourage people to go out of their comfort zone and reach out to people.”
“We will do our best to spice things up and make it extra special,” Gladden said.
The goal is to “kill corona with kindness,” while helping the scouts raise funds used for campouts, camping equipment, troop fees and summer camp.
This is a big undertaking for the troop, which has just nine members. But Gladden said the boys are excited about this twist on their customary popcorn sales.
“I tell you, these boys are pretty amazing,” she said.
Gladden has made sure the annual fundraiser is a learning experience for the boys. The scouts are taught how to make polite presentations to potential customers.
“I don’t let the parents sell the popcorn. The boys have to do the selling,” she said. “There’s so much more to this program than selling popcorn. They learn many life skills.”
Orders are being accepted now and can be made by emailing Gladden at jlhedley@aol.com or by calling 419-601-0867. Items can also be ordered on the Facebook page “Troop 485’s Kill Corona with Kindness Project.”
The fundraiser ends Nov. 2.
The troop will also accept orders for military troops, and will send them where requested.
Locally, the boys will deliver the popcorn anywhere in a 40-mile radius of Bowling Green. If the orders are for special occasions, like birthdays or anniversaries, the troops will put cards with the deliveries.
The fundraiser includes more than typical popcorn. There are gourmet flavors such as peanut butter cup popcorn, sea salt splash, white ruby, buffalo ranch and jalapeno. There are also other items such as trail mix and chocolate covered pretzels for sale.
“The boys are really excited” to convey kindness through the treat deliveries, Gladden said.
