HUDSON – Hundreds of pairs of socks and gloves along with hats will be going to veterans, thanks to a successful drive held by Troop 77.
The troop looked into holding a hat drive, and they reached out to Veterans Services for feedback. The scouts asked for permission to set up the donation boxes in the elementary schools. There were also donation boxes at Hudson High School and Town Hall, and the troop was present during the Holiday Stroll on Dec. 2.
“So, we were really able to get the word out and really have a fantastic response,” said Scoutmaster Brian Candiloro.
In total, over 500 items were donated as part of the drive – 303 pairs of socks, 119 hats, 98 pairs of gloves and 16 scarves. The troop was also able to put cash donations toward the purchase of five coats as part of Ocean State Job Lot’s Buy-Give-Get program.
“We hope our efforts will keep our veterans comfortable this winter and going forward,” said Troop 77 member Lucas Budiansky.
The troop presented the items to Veterans Director Brian Stearns in mid-January. “It all starts here, really, at the local level. You guys have proven leadership and commitment,” said Stearns. “I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done because when I go to the shelters and I go to the Disabled American Veterans, and they see this, they’re in tears.”
Stearns added that he also gets emotional thinking about it.
“I can’t thank you enough for doing what you did, and I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. These will go to some very needy people,” he said.
Troop 77 is intending on holding the drive again in the future.
“I think it was so successful that we will definitely be doing it again,” said Candiloro.
