Troop 150 raises over $3,000, buys gifts for 66 people

Sparta — Boy Scout Troop 150 bought Christmas gifts for 66 needy people this year for Christmas - one person for each Boy Scout in the troop. The entire troop descended on Walmart in Franklin this past Monday night, Dec. 12 to do the shopping. Sparta Troop 150 participates in the Adopt-a-Family programs run by Blessed Kateri and the United Methodist Churches in Sparta. The Adopt-a-Family program identifies families who are in real need and cannot afford to do anything for the holidays. The program looks for people who can 'adopt' these families. To raise the money to buy presents, the scouts had to find work where they could earn at least $10 each. Many Scouts and Scout families donated additional money. The troop raised $3,300 for this year’s Adopt-a-Family shopping event. On Monday evening, the Scouts went around the store and picked out the things for the kids and parents - clothes, shoes, and other basic necessities. Scout parents and leaders helped the Scouts. This year, because of the high goal set by Troop 150 - 66 needy people - the troop trailer was used to transport all of the presents to the two churches. Sparta Troop 150 proudly serves Sparta and the surrounding communities meeting 7 p.m. on Monday nights at the Sparta United Methodist Church. All interested boys between the ages of 11 and 18 are welcome. For more information, visit www.spartatroop150.org This press release was written by 13 year old Star Scout Brendan Puszcz as part of his troop position of troop journalist. The accompanying photos were taken by troop photo historian Star Scout Raymond Roggero.