Scout Fights Hunger

Alabama Season An Eagle Scout prospect coordinates a huge effort to help feed the hungry.

by Bill Riales

Published: Mon, November 02, 2009 - 8:10 pm CST Last Updated: Mon, November 02, 2009 - 8:50 pm CST

SPANISH FORT, Alabama - If you want to know how deep the need is for many families in Baldwin County, just ask 14 year old Taylor LeMaitre. (pronounced Le Met) This Spanish Fort High School student and Eagle Scout prospect has a pretty good idea from being a volunteer at Prodisee Pantry. He wants to be part of the solution.

"I've see a lot of the families that have suffered, gone through hard times with the economy dropping," says Taylor. "So I decided why not try to help out the community more with the pantry."
Taylor's volunteerism hatched a new project he hopes will help him become an eagle scout. He is busy soliciting individuals and businesses and coordinating a group of scouts for a much needed food drive for Prodisee.

Taylor says, "We've estimated the average food drive is around 600 pounds of food, canned food and non-perishable items. I'm going to try to triple that."

"Coordinating a food drive in an entire community, soliciting with businesses, talking to the media, doing all the things you need to do to have a successful fundraiser or food drive is complicated, and he's doing a great job," says Deann Servos of Prodisee.

Servos says they expect to feed some two thousand needy families during the months of november and december--and Taylor's project has given them a big boost as Prodisee heads into the holiday season.

"We have more than doubled in the past year of families in need, so we know we need to be ready for two thousand families this year," she says.

The bulk of the food drive is this week. Taylor says his group has placed paper bags and boxes at homes and businesses throughout Baldwin County, with a flyer explaining the project. They'll collect all the donations this Saturday so that Prodisee can distribute them.

If you'd like to help Taylor--or if you need help--you can contact Prodisee at 251-626-1720.

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