Economy shows weakness during annual food drive

By Becky Bosshart

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008 | midnight

A slowing economy and a changing population because of the foreclosure crisis may be the cause for a less-than-jolly canned food collection in Henderson this holiday season, a Boy Scout of America official said.

Henderson Boy Scouts packed 2,847 boxes of food, or about 78 tons, for Saturday's Scouting for Food collection. That's down about 18 percent from last year, said Gary Lewis, activities and marketing director for the Boy Scouts of America Las Vegas Area Council.

"There were a lot of houses that were flat-out empty," he said. "That probably plays into it."

Clark County was the hardest hit by foreclosures at the end of 2007, according to RealtyTrak.

Boy Scouts collected about 221 tons of food from Southern Nevada homes to fill the Thanksgiving baskets of thousands of needy families. That is short of its 230-ton goal and two tons less than last year's collection. Lewis said the economy could also be a factor.

More than 8,000 young people and 4,000 parents and leaders helped this year. Lewis said the council increased its goal this year because the needs of the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities doubled in just a few months.

Economic woes aren't lost on the youngest residents, especially after lifting and sorting tons of cans and boxes.

Cub Scout Preston Longbrake, 10, said that he's worried about the economy, even though his knowledge of it is limited to toy shopping with his parents. He was one of 8,000 Scouts participating in the collection.

"I'm scared a little because sometimes I ask my parents to buy stuff and they say no a lot, because they're scared they might lose their jobs," said the Sue H. Morrow Elementary School student.

His mother, Patty Longbrake, said some families are struggling more this year, which is why she wanted her son to participate in the collection.

"You have to watch your money. Even if you have a decent job, you never know what can happen these days," she said.

Those who work with the needy are expecting a lot more need this year. They hope to have the volunteers and donated food to keep up with it. The Scouting for Food effort helps fill Southern Nevada food pantries.

"Our increase (in need) is due specifically to the economy," said Sue McCullough, a director of Emergency Aid of Boulder City, a nonprofit charity. "People are losing jobs and getting their hours cut."

In October, 242 families came to Emergency Aid for help. At about the same time last year, there were about half that number.

"You can see, that's double in a year," she said. "These numbers are terrifying."

This year, she expects 225 families will receive a turkey basket from Emergency Aid. That's up from about 200 in previous years.

"With the state of the economy, there are a whole lot of people who need assistance," said William Cobb, an officer with the Salvation Army Corps in Henderson.

The Henderson Rotary Club bought 150 of the 300 turkeys the Salvation Army will distribute this year. The Boys Scouts will provide the side dishes, but the group is still short on turkeys.

Some aid workers are optimistic. "People recognize times are hard, but I look forward to a good year because people's hearts are open," said Joel Ritchie, Scouting for Food coordinator for the Eldorado district. "People are looking forward to giving this year."

All of the 105 packs and troops in Ritchie's district participated in the drive this year — more than 800 children and teens assisted with hauling bags from homes to sorting centers.

Eldorado Scouts collected 42 tons. Silverado Scouts collected 36 tons, both areas saw a 17 percent decrease from last year's collection. That isn't good news to aid organizations.

"We're projecting 4,000 families this year for turkeys," said Leslie Carmine, community relations coordinator for Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. For Thanksgiving 2007, it provided baskets for about 3,000.

The organization also serves two meals to the needy on Nov. 25 and 27 at its 1501 Las Vegas Blvd. North campus.

Becky Bosshart can be reached at 990-7748 or [email protected].