By Tammy Allison – THE VILLAGE REPORTER
A simple act of spare change can make a big difference in the lives of others. Wauseon Cub Scout Cub Master Elise Marks and son Ryan, 9, began a project a few years ago to raise funds to send Boy Scout popcorn to our military troops. The idea was simple-save spare change for popcorn. The project grew to include the entire Cub pack, and this year with the community’s support, the Wauseon Cub Scout Pack 177 raised $1877 to send popcorn to Ohio Military families. It was only fitting that the inspiration behind this project, Ryan, was the top fundraiser collecting $1001. Daniel Lilly, Jr. followed with $484.
Last year, the pack had raised $600 for military troops. Cub Master Marks had initially thought that $600 would once again be a good target goal. “I had thought that anything close to that would be a GREAT turn out for spare change donations.” Marks is quick to thank the community for their generosity. “Without willing donors in the community, NONE of this would have been possible.” She is thrilled with the amount the troop collected.
For Ryan Marks, he set his goal high and wanted to collect $1,000 in donation. He worked hard and saw his total grow to $981. His aunt purchased additional product to donate to the troops bringing the total over $1,000, his personal goal.
On November 9th, Buckeye Military Families was given the popcorn to be distributed in care packages going to Ohio military that are presently deployed. Cub Master Marks’s cousin’s husband Kyle Dillard is deployed with the Army currently, and he received some popcorn from this donation drive. He appreciates all mail and will likely share his popcorn with his fellow comrades. Boy Scout popcorn for many is a nostalgic piece of America and for the troops stationed abroad, a taste of home.
Tammy Allison may be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com