Scouts from Orange County Council donate $58,710 worth of popcorn to military

When a potential popcorn customer says no, savvy Scouts make a follow-up pitch: “How about sending a bag of Scout popcorn to the troops?”

It’s a great way to support two quintessential American institutions: the Boy Scouts of America and the U.S. military.

This month, Scouts and Scouters from the BSA’s Orange County Council delivered a taste of home to the men and women of our nation’s armed forces.

It came in the form of Scout popcorn — exactly $58,710 worth of salty and sweet treats sent to these brave Americans.

Each bag was donated by a member of the community who made the purchase in addition to, or instead of, buying something for themselves.

Here’s how the Scouts, adult volunteers and members of the community got it done.

Making the pitch

During the council’s popcorn season, which runs from September through November, packs, troops and crews sell popcorn to raise money for Scouting. They set up at storefronts, go door-to-door, and take order forms to Mom or Dad’s place of work.

Scouts and Venturers give potential customers the option to donate popcorn to the troops, as well.

It’s clear that support for the military is high in Orange County, Calif. Members of the community purchased nearly $60,000 in popcorn for brave strangers they may never meet.

Delivering the goods

With all that popcorn boxed and ready to go, the council called on Scouts to help deliver the goods. Scouts from Troop 658 and Troop 28 represented the entire council during the event, held Feb. 13 at the Orange County Council Service Center in Santa Ana, Calif.

They presented $18,720 worth of popcorn to soldiers at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

The remaining $39,990 will be shipped overseas.

 

Even more good popcorn vibes

Each year, Soldiers Angels, a nonprofit that provides aid and comfort to active-duty soldiers and veterans, disperses Scout popcorn to military bases and VA Hospitals across the country.

Check out some photos from their 2018 donations.

And that’s just the beginning.

A quick Google search reveals popcorn donations to members of the military in Iowa, Ohio, Minnesota and beyond.


Thanks to Melissa Dundovich of the Orange County Council for the tip.


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.