After destructive storms, you can help Scouting councils, employees recover

Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida, dumping more than a foot of rain in some places, overwhelming rivers and causing them to flood, and knocking out power for millions of residents.

Line crews with the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC) quickly began organizing to restore power for more than a quarter of a million homes and businesses in its service area. As WREC crews and hundreds of out-of-state crews assembled, Greater Tampa Bay Area Council employees offered to help.

The council opened Sand Hill Scout Reservation as a base for the out-of-state workers to meet, eat and rest.

Four days after Milton made landfall, WREC had restored power to 98% of its members.

“This support significantly bolstered our restoration efforts and allowed us to expedite the process of getting power back to our members,” says David Lambert, WREC general manager. “We cannot thank them enough for everything they have done for us and our community.”

A Scout is Helpful

Greater Tampa Bay Area Council employees showed how they help other people at all times, even in the aftermath of not one but two storms. Less than two weeks before Milton struck, Hurricane Helene hit Florida, moving across southeastern states and leaving a wake of destruction.

Scouting America councils and units in the path of Helene stepped up to help their communities and repair council camps that were damaged by the storm.

You too can step up to help the Scouting programs affected by both hurricanes.

Last week, Scouting America Chief Scout Executive, President and CEO Roger Krone shared how you can donate to the Scouting Emergency Assistance Fund. This National Boy Scouts of America Foundation fund supports Scouting America councils and employees affected by natural disasters. All the proceeds go to help those in need.

The recovery from these storms will take years, and a donation to the Scouting Emergency Assistance Fund will help Scouting America staff members and councils as they rebuild their communities and care for their families.

“As members of the Scouting family, we feel a duty to help,” Krone says.

Helping others

If you or your Scout unit has helped others recover from these storms, feel free to share your efforts with us by emailing onscouting@scouting.org as we highlight Good Turns from across the country.

If you plan to serve in any of the impacted areas, first review Scouting America’s service project planning checklist as well as these Safety Moments, which cover topics like chainsaw use, generators and weather-related safety.

You can also check with local and national relief organizations to see how you can help or donate.