Local Boy Scout Brightens Spirits For Holidays

Casey Jones of Boy Scout Troop #94 has helped ensure that many area seniors will have a brighter Christmas this year. Casey began a project of collecting one ton of food for Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens in October to work towards his goal of becoming an Eagle Scout. Through his hard work and the generosity of community members, Casey has not only met his goal of collecting 2,000 pounds of food, but surpassed it by collecting 3,128 pounds of food.

Special thanks should be given to the community members and businesses who have donated food, time, or supplies for this project. WYRV-AM 770 hosted a benefit concert for the project, helping to raise $123.00 and over 300 pounds of food. Grants Supermarket in Tazewell provided the collection boxes and numerous businesses and churches served as collection points.

“The great thing was that a wide variety of people came out to support this project. Churches, schools, even coal miners at Jewell Smokeless donated food. People genuinely care about one another and want to help their neighbor” explained Chase Meade-Patton of AASC.

Pending approval from the Black Diamond District in Charleston, West Virginia, Casey will be the first Boy Scout to obtain Eagle Scout status from Troop #94. Casey is a fifteen year old sophomore at Tazewell High School. “Being in scouts has allowed me to do things that other boys my age are not able to do. I have hiked the Appalachian Trail, gone canoeing on the New River, gone caving, and learned the importance of helping others. This project has really helped me understand that giving back to those less fortunate is really the most important thing” said Casey.

The food is being distributed to seniors throughout Buchanan, Russell, Dickenson, and Tazewell counties. If you have questions or think you may know someone who needs assistance during the holiday season, call Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens at 276.964.4915 or 1.800.656.2272.