Cub Scouts Kick Off GoFundMe For Pinewood Derby Track

MORICHES, NY — A local Cub Scout pack is fundraising to help purchase a Pinewood Derby track.

The Pinewood Derby is a beloved event in the Scouting year, during which Scouts assemble, paint, decorate and then race wooden cars on a track.

A GoFundMe page, "Pinewood Derby Track & Activities," was created by den leader Randi Mott. The page has raised $270 of its $2,500 goal so far.

"We are Cub Scouts Pack 88 and we have been serving the wonderful tri-hamlet area of Mastic Beach, Shirley, Mastic, and Moriches. Our pack consists of 50 Scouts, a perfect size," Mott wrote.

'The Pinewood Derby is a wonderful event not only for the Scouts but for our Scouting families. Our Scouts love the thrill of making their own cars and the Scouts and their families enjoy racing them. We have in the past rented and borrowed tracks, some better than others. We have decided it is time to have our own. We are reaching out to our friends, families and our community for help. We would love to be able to put on a proper derby for our Scouts," she said.

Mott added, "We are not looking for the biggest track out there. We are looking at a simple track to purchase, a metal track with timer and software. We aren't out to sell you unwanted fundraiser items; we are just asking that you donate any amount you can."

Erica Jackson, whose son Cole is Cub Scout in the den, said the Pinewood Derby is an event he looks forward to each year, taking great pride in creating the car with his grandfather and then decorating it with her — the event is a time to make precious family memories that will live forever in his heart as he moves forward in life.

"The Pinewood Derby is more then just a race for Cub Scouts," Mott added. "It teaches great skills like woodworking, humility, good sportsmanship and good citizenship. It even teaches some key points in the Scout law from being helpful, friendly, courteous, kind and, most important, cheerful! Each Scout finds their own personal achievement as they learn to build their own car and cheer their fellow Scouts on. Pinewood Derby is a Scouting tradition and with this GoFundMe fundraiser we hope to be able to purchase our own track and continue this great tradition for years to come."

To donate, click here.

Photo courtesy Erica Jackson.