Northport Boy Scout Troop Donates $5,400 To Local Food Pantry

NORTHPORT, NY — Northport Boy Scout Troop 410 recently donated $5,400 to the Northport-East Northport Ecumenical Lay Food Pantry after raising money from its 11th annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim.

The troop would normally combine the proceeds from the Polar Bear Swim with its annual Pancake Breakfast traditionally held in March. However, the coronavirus was building momentum at the time, so the troop opted to postpone the Pancake Breakfast until it's safe for the public to return to large gatherings.

"Since it is clear that such gatherings could be at least a month or more away, and clearer still that the Food Pantry was in need of this money, the Troop has called in the balance of its pledges and presented the Food Pantry with the proceeds from this year’s Polar Bear Swim," Andy Fox of Northport Troop 410 said.

The troop urges residents to consider helping those who are struggling or supporting community members who are putting their own lives on the line to combat COVID-19. Ways to help include donating to the Food Pantry, donating blood, giving medical supplies, offering expertise to the crisis, checking on vulnerable neighbors and supporting local business.

Troop 410 will be back with its annual Polar Bear Swim on New Year’s Day 2021 and with its annual Pancake Breakfast when it is safe again to gather.

"Until then, the Troop would like to thank the good folks at the Food Pantry for their continued support of the community, our local first responders and medical personnel, all the essential workers manning the stores and business still open, our own supporters and sponsors who continue to offer of themselves to better our community," the troop stated. "Thank you, take care and stay safe!"