Scouts Collect Food for Interfaith Food Closet
Mar 24, 2026 04:51PM ● By Stephen B. Clazie
Standing next to a pickup full of donations, from left, are Lexi Kim, Matthias Gonzalez (webmaster for Troop 5010), Bennett Nurmi, Westley Gonzalez, Alexander Avery and Christian Olguin. Photo by Alyssa Weir-Gonzalez
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Scouting America Troop 5010 and Pack 259 collected 1,470 food items and $289.38 for the South Sacramento Interfaith Partnership Food Closet from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 14.
Alyssa Weir-Gonzalez, Troop 5010 committee chair for the food drive, said, “This year’s Scouting for Food turned out to be another great year, and we had wonderful support from our partners in Pack 259 and Elks Lodge 6.”
In addition to leading the food drive, Weir-Gonzalez also serves as committee chair for both Troop 5010 and Pack 259.
She added, “Scouts and families showed up in huge numbers. Members collected donations from neighborhoods throughout the morning, going door to door to gather nonperishable goods and cash.”
At the same time, volunteers staffed the sorting and collection station at Elks Lodge 6, keeping operations organized and running smoothly.
Troop 5010 is chartered by the Golden Empire Council, and Weir-Gonzalez noted, “Elks Lodge 6 donates the meeting room we use every week and allows us to use the lodge as a gathering place for events like this.”
The South Sacramento Interfaith Partnership extended a heartfelt thank-you to the units and will feature their efforts in its upcoming newsletter, expected in June.
The impact of a drive like this benefits the Greenhaven/Pocket and South Land Park communities.
Every can, every box and every dollar donated helps families who rely on the food bank.
Weir-Gonzalez said, “We are very proud of all who participated, and we are grateful to Pack 259 for joining us in making this event such a success.”
Scouting for Food is a council-wide project aimed at helping people in local communities who are hungry or in need. Community members are encouraged to recycle grocery bags and fill them with donated canned goods.
A scout promises “to help other people at all times.”
The food closet has been based at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5625 24th St., since 1969. It was part of the many services offered by the South Sacramento Ecumenical Parish (SSEP), which was formed by representatives from seven faith congregations.
