MONTICELLO – To support the 1st Way Life Center, Boy Scout Troop 101 of Rock Hill recently took part in a holiday food drive organized by St. Peter’s Church.

Scout Master Anthony LaRusso noted that food drives are nothing new to Troop 101 as it is common practice for the Scouts to generate donations for food banks in need in the area. Father Bob of St. Peter’s Church contacted LaRusso and Annette Rein, Director of 1st Way Life, about organizing the push to gather donated food items. 

“It seemed like a perfect opportunity to do a food drive,” LaRusso stated. “We distributed several bags to the children so we could see what we could collect.”

“It was a very well-orchestrated event,” said Annette Rein, who leads 1st Way Life.

The paper bags with attached flyers were distributed by the scouts over the course of three weeks leading up to November 5. Each of the boy scouts recieved 5 bags. The bags were to be filled by November 5 and carried in the next day to the troop meeting at the Rock Hill Firehouse. 

The food drive turned out to be a huge success. Seventy-three bags total were returned with food, a factor LaRusso deemed “amazing.”

“I got to say the kids were pretty enthused,” described LaRusso. “[The number of bags brought in] was a great turnout.”

“Giving back during the holiday season is very important, especially with a food drive. It is all about scouting, and it is great to see their eyes light up [when they help families.]”

The troop consists of 26 Scouts, as well as four assistant scout masters.