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Efforts of work ranges in scope across SE Minnesota

Scouting programs across the Twin Valley Council serving 15 counties in south central Minnesota, including those in Mower County, are celebrating a remarkable achievement as they have collectively completed over 25,000 hours of community service.

This milestone highlights the dedication, hard work, and positive impact of Scouts in their communities.

From ringing bells for the Salvation Army, Volunteering with Kiwanis Holiday Lights, helping local residents in their community, donating blood, collecting eyeglasses for Lions, filling sandbags for flooding, and work done for their local churches and schools. According to a press release Tuesday, this significant number reflects the commitment of Scouts to making a difference and contributing to the betterment of society.

“This milestone is a testament to the spirit of service that is at the heart of Scouting,” said Ray Brauer, Scout Executive of the Twin Valley Council. “The thousands of hours contributed by our Scouts showcase their dedication to helping others and strengthening our communities. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the positive change they are creating.  The Non-Profit Leadership council estimates the value of the average hour of community service is $31.80 per hour.  This translates to almost $800,000 of benefit to our local communities.”

The community service projects undertaken by Scouts span a wide range of causes and needs. From Cub Scouts to Eagle Scouts, participants have taken on projects that address both local and broader societal issues. Notable projects include a young Wolf Scout, Madison Green, who developed a service project to collect eyeglasses through the Lions Club in Cleveland or our Scouting for Food campaign that collected 53,443 pounds of food for 22 local community food pantries.

The impact of these efforts extends beyond the immediate benefits of the projects themselves. Scouts develop valuable skills, foster a sense of civic responsibility, and build lasting relationships through their service. These experiences help shape them into future leaders who are committed to giving back to their communities.

We are excited to recognize the outstanding work of our Scouts and volunteers.  Their dedication is an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to support and enhance our communities.