Short Hills Scouts BSA Troop 19 Braves the Bitter Cold

Thirty members of Scouts BSA Troop 19, chartered at St. Rose of Lima Church in Short Hills, braved below-freezing temperatures at Turtle Back Zoo to collect donations of non-perishable food, new toys, and gently-used coats.

Food donations were collected for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and the other donated items shared among a variety of worthy New Jersey charities. After spending four chilling hours at the donation station, Scout Caroline Desoe commented, “It was really warming for us to show our support for people in the community who are less fortunate.”

The Scouts and their families also had the chance to take a winter stroll through the zoo under the brilliantly-arranged sparkling lights, depicting more than 50 winter and animal characters. “The Lights Spectacular lived up to their name. They were eye catching and beautiful”, marveled Scout Emma Laffler.

The annual Essex County Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, is every night (except 12/24 and 12/25) through December 31st from 5pm to 9pm. Admission is free.

Visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, new unwrapped toys, and new and gently used winter coats to help families in need. Donations can be dropped off at the donation station located at the main entrance.

Scouts BSA Troop 19 is sponsored by St. Rose of Lima Church, Short Hills. Girls in the age group of 10 to 17 who are interested in joining the Troop or to provide a financial donation to Troop 19's new program, please visit https://shorthills19.mytroop.u... or contact Scoutmaster Daniel Cannon at scoutmaster.cannon@gmail.com for additional information.