Pilgrim Hosts 5th Annual Scouting for Uniforms Drive

To a young Scout, wearing a uniform is a memorable part of the Scouting experience. Unfortunately, many can’t afford to purchase one. Pilgrim Cleaners is again leading the effort to help meet that challenge by conducting the fifth annual community-wide uniform collection campaign. 

During the month of July, all 25 Pilgrim Cleaner locations will accept donated Scout uniforms, clean them, and deliver them to the Northern Star Council, BSA  for distribution to Scouts in need. Uniforms can also be dropped off at both Scout Service Centers. The drive has now collected over 1,700 uniforms through the four year campaign.

During these tough economic times, the need for uniforms is even greater, especially for the blue Cub Scout shirts. An independent local study conducted in 2009 by Wilder Research showed that more than 5,000 Northern Star Council youth members were from families of limited resources who qualified for free or reduced lunch at school and the numbers are projected to be even greater today.

Having a uniform is a great equalizer. Northern Star Council appreciates everyone who contributes to this effort and expresses our thanks to  Pilgrim Cleaners, a community-minded business that started the original “Coats for Kids” program 25 years ago, as well as our additional sponsors Sun Newspapers and KARE 11.

For more information call the Northern Star Council at 763-231-7201.