Local Boy Scouts have lent a helping hand this summer to the Jefferson City Salvation Army, most recently giving a fresh coat of paint to an old shed.
Scouts of St. Peter's Troop 4 volunteered at the nonprofit organization for eight hours each as a part in obtaining their Citizenship in the Community merit badges - a required step for Eagle Scout rank. Because the badge is all about community, scouts delved into civic areas in conjunction with their volunteerism. They toured the Capitol and Jefferson City Police Department and attended a City Council meeting as a part of the process.
In addition to painting the shed, Boy Scouts, about 10 total, found other ways to meet their eight-hour service requirements at the Salvation Army. They organized items in the building's basement and cooked and served food.
Scout Austin Toebben, 13, said he likes knowing his time is going toward a good cause as he painted the shed a sand color. He added their work meant freeing up time to Salvation Army employees, allowing them to focus on their individual responsibilities.
"It saves them time so they can help other people," he said.
The shed, which will be used to store extra items, moved from the thrift store location on Michigan Avenue after the Salvation Army received a new shed. The Salvation Army center on Jefferson Street, the former thrift store site, was the original shed's first home. Boy Scouts donated that one after the Flood of 1993.
Lt. Christopher White, the Jefferson City Salvation Army Corps officer, said the dedication of the Boy Scouts and other volunteers make the Salvation Army's mission possible.
"We feel really blessed to have them," White said. "We couldn't do what we do without volunteers. Volunteers really provide services to us at no cost, which means all the money that we raise we can put back into the community instead of paying people for odd jobs.
"And it's just a great way that people can give back to their community through the Salvation Army."
Connor Hull, a 13-year-old scout, said the volunteering experience and learning more about where he lives showed him what it takes to make a community function.
"This taught me to make sure and help people and always think of others," he said.