ARM receives donations from T.A. Dugger, boy scouts
Published 8:25 am Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Star Photo/Curtis Carden Scouts pose with food items inside ARM.
Star Photo/Curtis Carden T.A. Dugger students recently provided ARM with thousands of food items to help with the Thanksgiving season.
Christmas came early last week for one nonprofit organization.
With a combined effort from T.A. Dugger students and members of Troop 516 of the Elizabethton Boy Scouts, Assistance and Resource Ministries (ARM) received over 4,000 food items to be used to benefit people within the region.
Throughout the afternoon hours on Saturday, scouts provided 2,636 food items to the facility thanks to support from the likes of Southside Christian Church, Food City and Dream Moore Ranch. The scout are part of the Sequoyah Council and are designated within the Buffalo Mountain District.
No strangers to helping the community, Scoutmaster Ricki Dykes said the annual tradition is always a great time for the children.
“It’s always a great time,” she said. “The enjoy the fact they’re able to give back to the community.”
The sentiment was shared by scouts throughout the day.
“It feels great working together,” said Scout Caleb Kent. “It is a very simple but worthwhile concept.
Jachin Pike shared he’s scout member’s thought, adding it’s great to work together on the project.
“It’s fun because we get to share food with people in need,” Alric Duffield added.
Andrew Long and Logan Davis shared their thoughts during the drive, adding it was a busy week but the overall total made the hard work worth it.
“Giving back to the community means a lot to me,” said Senior Patrol Officer Caleb Napier. “There are people struggling to have Thanksgiving this year. If we can have enough food for Thanksgiving, they deserve it, too.”
T.A. Dugger set the stage just one day prior, donating between 1,700 to 1,800 of food items, according to teacher Lindsey Kyker, during a class drive as part of a student council project.
ARM Director Robbie Fritts thanked both organizations following each drive and added the food will be put to get use during the holiday season for those in need.
New hours are in effect for the center. During the week, ARM, located on West C Street in Elizabethton, will be open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the community. Fritts added that the facility will not be closed for lunch, an extra perk for those looking to utilize the resources available.
To get involved, contact the office at (423) 542-0919.
