Update 4/25/12 -- Scouting for Food Wrap Up Thanks to all of you who have sent in photos of your Scouts in
action. The photos have been added to the SFF website and you can find
them under the "Photo Gallery" section. So far, we have accounted for 21,617 lbs. of food that was donated. I know the district collected way more than that. I am not logging in the number of pounds donated at the Howard County Food Bank nor the NPD SFF Distribution Center even though I have those numbers. Each unit is supposed to turn those numbers in. Please remember to complete the post-SFF Unit report and to submit service hours for the Journey to Excellence requirements (Girl Scouts do not participate in JTE). If you're not familiar with JTE requirements, please ask your unit leader to log in the hours. I now have an updated list of all unit codes. You can find information on both here: https://sites.google.com/site/npdscoutingforfood/forms Patches will be available probably at the June Roundtable. Please let me know how many kids (siblings inlcuded) and how many adults participated so we can order patches for the kids. Thank you notes are coming in for all your hard work and copies of those have been posted on the SFF website under the "Thank Yous" section. https://sites.google.com/site/npdscoutingforfood/thank-yous If you have bags leftover, you can recycle them but it would be great if you could give them to someone to use. There are suggestions on the SFF website also. https://sites.google.com/site/npdscoutingforfood/got-extra-bags You can also bring them to me at Program Launch on the 14th of May at Marriotts Ridge High School (7 p.m.). I'll be there and am eager to hear how your SFF experience went. Hope to see you there. ============================================================================================================================================= Update 4/22/12 -- Post SFF So how did it go today? How about that weather? I hope you all had a very successful food drive in your unit.
Instructions on how to log in service
hours can be found at: I have a list of unit codes if you
don't have yours. Email me if you need yours. Everyone, read
this: Thanks for all your hard work and for
your help in collecting 1 million pounds of food during the
year. If you have any type of food drive the rest of the
year, be sure to report it in so that we can log in the number
of pounds and the service hours. I will be letting you know
about other opportunities for SFF programs this year. Hope to see you at Program Launch where
we can discuss how today went for your unit. Sori Meredith ============================================================================================================================================= Update 4/13/12 -- SFF Food Donation Sites By now, I hope you have gotten in touch with the food pantry that's been assigned to your unit. Several of the food pantries have specific instructions which are listed on the website: https://sites.google.com/site/npdscoutingforfood/food-donation-sites-2/2012-food-donation-sites If you cannot be at the food pantry at times listed, you definitely have to call and make arrangements. If you have problems, please let me know. Food donation site by pack, troop, GS troop or Venturing Crew can be found here: https://sites.google.com/site/npdscoutingforfood/food-donation-sites-2 Please, please, please, go to the food donation site you've been assigned to so that they all get their fair share of donations. My cell phone number is 410-303-4890 in case you need anything. I am expecting to be close to home this weekend and next weekend. Don't hesitate to call. Good luck with bag drop off and food collection. Thanks for participating and let's fill those shelves! Sori Meredith NPD SFF Chairperson P.S. -- Patches are being ordered on Monday. Please keep track of who worked either day or both for SFF; they will get a patch. ============================================================================================================================================= Update 4/12/12 -- SFF Bag Distribution Bag Distribution Day is scheduled for this Saturday, April 14. Please note that you can distribute bags any time between now and April 20. Many units find that distributing bags a few days before pick up day works better as the request for donations is fresh in people's minds. Many units also distribute bags on the day their patrol or den meets so that they have higher Scout participation. Whichever way you do it, please remember not to open any mailboxes or place the bags at the mailboxes since it's a Federal offense. Bags are supposed to be distributed at people's doors. Please be mindful of the kids welfare and safety while distributing bags. Please feel free not to canvass houses that are on busy roads and always keep an eye on your Scouts. Most units tend to stay away from apartment complexes because kids have to enter and be out of sight to distribute bags. If you run out of bags and need more, please call me at 410-303-4890. Please do not go to Mars stores to beg for bags. They do not have a supply to outfit us with bags. I have a stash in my garage and Gifford Hurt, District Executive, and Scott Hanson, Field Director, will gladly assist us if we need more. Thanks for your participation. Don't forget to have signs out in neighborhoods (units must provide these) on the 20th to remind people of SFF! Good Skill! ============================================================================================================================================== Update 4/5/12 -- SFF Bag Pick Up This is a reminder that I will be at Roundtable on Monday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. at Columbia Academy. Please come get your Scouting for Food bags as the food drive is 2 weeks away. If you cannot come that night, please email me and let's make arrangements for you to get the bags from my house. There were several of you who made arrangements to do this and the bags are still sitting at my front step. Thanks to those who have already picked up bags. =============================================================================================================================================== Update 3/22/12 -- SFF PSA on Channel 45 National Pike District was selected to send Scouts to tape two Public Service Announcements (PSA) at Channel 45 today. Many thanks to Abbey Starks - Venturing Crew 944, Collin Meredith - Troop 944, Joseph Griffin - Pack 360, and Lucas Yang - Pack 361. They did a great job serving as spokespeople for Scouting for Food and I think they enjoyed visiting a real tv studio. The PSA with Jeff Barnd, anchor, and Vytas Reid, chief meteorologist, will air Easter weekend. As PSA's, they are used to fill empty time slots so we do not know when they will be shown, but watch for them. Here are photos of the kids: ====================================================================================================================== Update 3/22/12 -- Food Donation Sites Revised I think I posted the wrong master list of food donation sites. I have re-checked the master list and re-posted it on the website. Please review this master list so you know what the food donation site you've been assigned to is asking you to do prior to delivering food donations to them. If you have questions, please let me know. ============================================================================================================ Update 3/18/12 -- Food Donation Sites The Food Donation Sites are now posted on the website. Sorry for the delay. We have fewer units participating in Scouting for Food this year, so I had to switch things around a bit. Please remember that this Tuesday, we have a SFF kick-off reception at Bethany UMC (2875 Bethany Lane, Ellicott City) at 7 p.m. Several food pantry representatives have indicated they are coming and it would be great if your unit is there to meet these food pantry workers/volunteers to whom you're bringing food donations. We will have light refreshments provided by Troop 944. Please stop by between 7 and 8:30 p.m. BAGS -- If you are picking up bags at the reception, please send me a quick email even if you've already told me. I want to be sure I have your bags there and I don't want to lug ALL the bags with me if possible. Thanks. Hope to see you on Tuesday! ============================================================================================================================================== Update 3/14/12 -- Troop 618 has already done their food drive and shared this with us. Sori -------- Original Message -------- Hi Sori, Troop 618 had another successful year with our Scouting for Food Drive at the Hickory Ridge Village Center. This year, we had even more enthusiasm than ever with our Angry Platypus Patrol having a special patrol meeting before the event to build a display table with nothing but wood sticks and ropes. They used the clove and timber hitches along with a variety of lashings and the table held up strong for the 600+ pounds of food that they collected! Rick Mitchell Scoutmaster Troop 618 Columbia, MD  ======================================================================================================================================== 3/9/12 -- Update Great news! I have 70,000 (that is not a typo) bags on hand, and they will be distributed at Roundtable. The website has a picture of both sides of the bag. Please also check the number of bags I have listed for your unit (also on the website). If you need a different number, please let me know right away. I will have the bags at both the March and April Roundtables. If you cannot be at Roundtable or are representing a Girl Scout unit, please email me and we'll make arrangements to get the bags to you. There is another opportunity to give you bags on the night of the SFF Kick-off reception on Tuesday, March 20, at 7 p.m. at Bethany UMC. I hope you can come stop by the reception to say hello to food pantry representatives. Please let me know you are coming so I can plan for food. ======================================================================================================================================== 2/28/12 -- SFF Invitation to Kick Off Reception - 3/20/2012
Attached is an invitation to the Kick-Off Reception for Scouting for Food 2012. In previous years we have held this reception at the Council office so it was poorly attended. This year, we are going to try holding it at the district so that it's close to home for food pantry representatives, Scout leaders like you and your Scouts.
Please make an effort to attend the reception so you can meet some of the representatives of the food pantries to which we are donating food.
Let's make our first local kick-off reception a great success! Please feel free to bring Scouts from your unit with you even if it's for a short period of time.
Thanks! ========================================================================================================================================
2/21/12 -- SFF Update -- Bags I have posted on the SFF the number of bags you have ordered for this year's SFF food drive. Please check your number and let me know if it's incorrect. There is a link to the picture of the front and back of the bag on the SFF website homepage.
To determine the number of bags you need for your territory, you can go to the Howard County GIS website. I have already done the count for many of you, but if you want to check my number or do your own, please go to:
Instructions to use this website are attached.
Bags are expected in 3 weeks or so. I will do my best to get them to you at the March Roundtable.
Let me know if you have questions.
======================================================================================================================================== 2/19/12 -- SFF Update -- Territories Maps for all units that have registered have been posted on the SFF website. There are two GS units that have not responded to me and your maps will go up as soon as I hear from you. I am working on number of bags right now and will post the list on the webiste in the next couple of days. After you review that list, let me know if you want more bags than I have you down for. A picture of the bag (front and back) can be found on the SFF website. All food donation sites have been contacted and I will post your assigned food site in the next couple of days. We have a few units not participating this year, so I will be changing food sites for several of the units so that everyone gets enough donations. Let me know if you see errors on the website about your unit's information. We still have plenty of streets that need coverage, so if you know of any Girl Scout units that want to participate, please put them in touch with me. ========================================================================================================================================
2/14/12 -- SFF Update -- 2012 Goal
The Baltimore Area Council has a goal of one million pounds of food for 2012. This is for the entire year.
========================================================================================================================================National Pike collected over 87,000 lbs. of food last year and filled 30+ food pantries to capacity. We hope to at least match that number this year. However, since our district does such a great job with this food drive, National Pike Scouting for Food wants to form partnerships with businesses, schools, churches, etc., that are already doing their own food drives (or might want to hold one). I need your help to spread the word and help me form those partnerships. I am attaching the FLYER I distributed at Round Table last night in case you were not there which explains what we are trying to accomplish. Thanks for your help on this new facet of Scouting for Food. 2/11/12 -- SFF Update Patch Designs -- Just a quick reminder that patch designs are due to me at Roundtable, via email or to Scott Hanson at the Council office by Monday, February 13. Attached is the submission form with details. Territories/Maps -- I have been working on getting maps of territories up on the SFF website. I have informed those units that have maps already up and I continue to work on the rest and the new units that are participating this year. If I don't hear from you, I will assume that your territory is good and that you will cover that territory.
Bags -- Remember that there is a website where you can determine how many houses you have on each street. Instructions are on the SFF website. I will be ordering bags from Council soon.
Email me if you have questions. Sori ======================================================================================================================================== 2/5/12 -- How Many Bags Do I Need? In the near future I am going to be ordering bags for our district. If you would like to revise the number you've requested, this is a good time to do it.
Attached is an instruction sheet on how to use the Howard County GIS website listed below in order to determine how many houses are on each street in your territory. Though my instructions seem lengthy, the website is easy to use. (INSTRUCTIONS) I am working as fast as I can to put up map links on the website. I am going in the order your registered and I am 1/3 of the way through. Most units will be getting the same territory. I hope to get more maps up and running this week. Thanks for your patience.
======================================================================================================================================== 2/1/12 -- SFF Patch Design The Council is looking for a design for this year's patch and are inviting Scouts (including Girl Scouts) to submit their ideas to the Council by the next Round Table. Our next Round Table is Monday, February 13. If one of your Scouts has an idea for a patch, have him sketch it out and you can give it to me at Round Table, pdf it to me via email or fax it to the Council office (attention Scott Hanson, 410-338-0167). The patch should be around 3" in diameter if it's a circle. Other shapes should be about 3" square.
I am attaching a Patch Design Submission Form for your convenience. The form is also posted on the website.
======================================================================================================================================== 1/31/12 -- Council Meeting Notes I attended the Council SFF meeting tonight and the following are things we discussed: Bags -- The bag design has been posted on the SFF website. We are going to get bags (at the latest) at the April Round Table. I will shoot to have them at the March Round Table or earlier depending on when they are available.
Patch Design Contest -- The Council is looking for a design for this year's patch and are inviting Scouts (including Girl Scouts) to submit their ideas to the Council by the next Round Table. Our next Round Table is Monday, February 13. If one of your Scouts has an idea for a patch, have him sketch it out and you can give it to me at Round Table, pdf it to me via email or fax it to the Council office (attention Scott Hanson, 410-338-0167). The patch should be around 3" in diameter if it's a circle. Other shapes should be about 3" square.
Reception for Food Pantry Staff -- Every year, the Council hosts a reception at the Council office for the food pantry contacts in the Baltimore Area Council, and this year, we are going to attempt to have one closer to the food pantries. I am planning to organize one of these receptions in our district and will inform you of the date and time so that you can attend. This reception will be good for publicity of SFF and it would be awesome if you would come and meet food pantry representatives. More information to come.
2012 Goal for SFF -- The Council SFF Chairperson, Maria Santana, has set a goal of 1 million pounds of food which is double the amount the Baltimore Area Council collected last year. In order to increase our numbers, we will try to cover more houses in our county, but we also need your help. If you hold your own food collection drive at the unit level, please let me know how much you collected so that we can add those numbers to our numbers.
Promotion & Marketing -- The Council is working with the Baltimore Sun and Fox 45 to get the word out about SFF. Each district is being encouraged to do its own promotions with local papers which we already do in this district. If you have ideas for promotion and marketing in addition to what our district already does, please let me now.
Sori Meredith
NPD SFF Chair
P.S. -- If you have not accepted the invitation to be added to the Google Groups, please go to http://groups.google.com/group/scouting-for-food-npd-2012 and ask to be added. Communications will go exclusively to google groups in the near future. Updates are available on the SFF website:
https://sites.google.com/site/npdscoutingforfood/home ======================================================================================================================================== 1/29/12 -- Google Group I have about 66 units registered for Scouting for Food, but only have 38 POC's on the Google Group email list (THANKS to those of you who already signed up). If you missed the invitation to get on the mailing list for updates, please ask to be added to the list by going to: You will not get multiple replies from everyone because no one can post messages but me. I am trying to keep my messages short and to one per day (though that will change as SFF gets closer).
If you do not wish to be on this mailing list, you can get the updates on the homepage of the SFF website:
======================================================================================================================================== 1/27/12 -- For Your Information... Territories are distributed on a first come first serve basis. If a Scouting unit registers by the deadline, that unit will be given the same territory as the previous year.
Territories cannot be picked by the Scouting units since one central person (SFF District Chair) needs to know what streets are covered and what streets are not covered in the district (all of Howard County). Our goal is to provide food for all the food pantries in the county.
If your unit is assigned a territory, the unit is responsible for canvassing the entire territory. If the territory proves to be too large or too small for that unit, adjustments will be made. Our goal is to have each unit canvass the entire area assigned to them.
Since the number of Scouts fluctuates from year to year, units can seek help from other units to cover their territory. Boy Scout, Cub Scout and Venturing units have also banded together to cover one territory. The number of Girl Scout units has increased every year since I took over the job. If you want to add a GS unit to your territory, please feel free, but please let me know who they are so they get credit. If you need help, you can let me know this also.
Many units have had the same territories for years since they have registered on a timely basis. Units, most of the time, do not get territory near their charter organization, place of meeting, neighborhood where the kids are from, school they attend, etc. The goal is to collect food and fill the food pantry shelves in the county.
Maps will not be posted until late February at the earliest. There is only one volunteer doing this job, and it takes time.
If you have questions, about territories, please send me an email.
======================================================================================================================================== 1/26/12 -- I am now writing to all of you via the Google Groups rather than individual email addresses. This will prevent my making mistakes on your email addresses when I write to you. Please note the following:
Scouting for Food is being held on April 21. Please make a note of it. It's a whole month later than last year, so mark your calendars.
When you write to me, please include your unit type (troop, pack, GS troop, venturing/varsity) and number (#74, #945) so that I know what unit I am dealing with.
The website is being updated almost daily, but the maps and the food donation sites will not be updated for at least a month since territories are still being distributed. FYI, the website is:
Thanks to GP, from Pack 618, for holding a workshop on how to use the Google Maps for unit territories. If anyone is interested in learning what to do with those maps within your unit, please let me know. GP is willing to hold another training session as long as we have about a dozen people.
I will be attending the Council SFF meeting on Tuesday night and I will be reporting anything noteworthy afterwards. Please email me if you have questions.
======================================================================================================================================== 1/25/12 -- By now, you are either part of the Google Groups mailing list or have been sent an invitation to join the Scouting for Food 2012 mailing list. If you have not joined yet, please do so right away to make communication easier. If for some reason, you do not want to be added to the mailing list, please let me know. You can read all the updates on the homepage of the SFF website: No significant updates have been sent as I am still compiling the mailing list. The most important thing right now is that all units have the date of Scouting for Food 2012 as April 21. That's a whole month later than in previous years. Cub Scout packs will have to make adjustments this year as their Webelos II den will probably have graduated by then. |
