Boy Scouts of America Celebrates National Philanthropy Day
3,000 Scouts Rake 34 Tons of Leaves in Good Turn Yard Charge
This month, the nation's leading youth service organization, the Boy Scouts
of America, recognizes National Philanthropy Day by honoring those who dedicate
countless hours of service to the nation and encouraging all Americans to live
the BSA's slogan to "Do a Good Turn Daily."
National Philanthropy Day, celebrated on Nov. 15, is a 20-year-old celebration
across hundreds of communities that recognizes the ways philanthropy has positively
affected the world. National Philanthropy Day is celebrated by government leaders,
businesses, and individuals who wish to honor all the contributions made by those
who practice philanthropy on a regular basis.
The BSA continues its recognition of National Philanthropy Day throughout the
month of November. "The Scout Oath encourages Scouts to 'help other people at
all times,'" said Roy L. Williams, Chief Scout Executive, BSA. "That is what we
strive to do every day - foster a sense of good will toward others. We are proud
to recognize National Philanthropy Day in November, and throughout the year, by
honoring those who are committed to service and by urging Scouts and Americans
to continue to give back to their communities."
Each month, BSA councils across the United States serve Americans through the
Good Turn for America (GTFA) initiative, which encourages Scouts to Do a Good
Turn Daily through a variety of community service projects. Since its inception
in 2004, GTFA has generated more than 1.8 million hours of service. The GTFA
initiative is a BSA collaboration with The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity,
the American Red Cross, and thousands of other community organizations. The
initiative focuses the power of volunteerism on the important community issues
of hunger, shelter, and health.
One example of Scouts honoring National Philanthropy Day and "doing a Good
Turn for America" is the city of Cleveland's third installment of the Yard
Charge community cleanup project. On Nov. 3, approximately 3,000 Scouts and
Scout leaders from more than 200 Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and
Venturing crews across Cuyahoga County participated in the event, demonstrating
the Scout Law by being helpful, friendly, courteous, and kind to their community
neighbors. The Scouts raked an estimated 34 tons of leaves in nearly 1,000
yards of low-income senior citizens. This annual service project is part of an
ongoing partnership between the BSA's Greater Cleveland Council and the city of
Cleveland's Department of Elder Services Chore Program.
"We believe the GTFA initiative will continue to serve as a catalyst for
service leadership and positively impact the areas where communities need it
most," said Williams.
Since its inception, the BSA has trained young people in citizenship, service,
and leadership to better serve America's communities and families through its
quality, values-based program. In the past 95 years, nearly 110 million members
of Scouting have provided countless hours of service. The more than 1.7 million
Eagle Scouts alone have provided an estimated 36 million hours of service
through their Eagle projects. Good Turn for America aims to make a substantial
positive impact on the nation by providing millions of volunteer hours to
benefit those in need. More information about service and philanthropic
leadership is available from the BSA at www.GoodTurnForAmerica.org.
National Philanthropy Day is registered by the Patent and Trademark Office
of the U.S. Department of Commerce and is coordinated by the Association of
Fundraising Professionals.
Serving nearly 4.9 million young people between 7 and 20 years of age with
more than 300 councils throughout the United States and its territories, the
Boy Scouts of America is the nation's foremost youth program of character
development and values-based leadership training.
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