Boy Scout builds community pantry box for service project - The Delaware County Daily Times

Boy Scout builds community pantry box for service project - The Delaware County Daily Times

NORWOOD>> A special kind of collection box outside Norwood Library won’t be used for returning books to the library. They already have that.

Instead, a community pantry box on library property was placed where people can pick up what they need and donate what they can. This small, easily accessible pantry box full of canned goods and personal hygiene products was created as part of David Ross’ service project so that he could help those in his community who may be in need.

“It felt right for the community,” said Ross, a member of Boy Scout Troop 339 in Leedom, about his pantry box. “That’s what this project is for, to help assist them. “

The idea was presented to him by a family friend at a nutrition store next to the library. Ross, a junior at Interboro High School studying auto technology at Delaware County Technical School and Delaware County Community College, thought the hands-on prospect of building something and helping the community seemed like a good fit.

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“I was up for anything but I thought as a project person I could handle it well,” he said. “I’m hands-on with mechanics and building so I thought I would use that knowledge to help my project.”

Making the pantry box didn’t take too long since he had help from his father, David, his scout coach, Mark McKellar, and his friends. Materials were donated to the project by Home Depot with Ross using money from his scout account to supplement other costs. Norwood officials gave the OK about three months ago to have the structure placed on library property. According to Ross, donations were pouring in to stock the pantry even before it was built.

A takeoff of the community library boxes where people take a book and put another in its place, this pantry version allows people to grab the provisions they need while giving back what they can in return. It is openly available to the public.

The pantry box has been up for a month and is at a good location that generates plenty of foot traffic between the library entrance and the SEPTA Norwood train station platform.

It has drawn some interest from passersby, according to Norwood Library Director Eileen Baker.

“People have asked about it,” she said, adding that people weren’t sure if it was a library project or one of SEPTA’s. Noting that libraries are the heart of communities, she was happy to have the pantry box around.

“It’s good that people are more willing to donate to the cause when they know it’s a scout project,” she said. “We’re glad it’s here and anyone can use it. We’re happy to help.”

Even with local food pantries, like the nearby Loaves and Fishes, Ross said the pantry box may add a layer of anonymity to those who may be too proud to admit they need help.

“It’s a hard thing to admit when you’re struggling. I figured (the box) would be a good way to help people,” he said.

Given that the pantry has been set up just as the holiday season was coming around, Ross expects there to be an uptick in activity at the box.

This isn’t just a one-off idea for Ross. He expects to keep it up and going as long as he can with friends, family and his troop helping to make it last long after he obtained his Eagle Scout title.

“It’s a product of Troop 339. It’s staying up there,” he said.