LEWISTON – Scout Pack 160 was at the Shaw’s Supermarket collecting donations for the United Valley Chapter’s Local Disaster Relief Fund on June 11. The collaborative effort is part of the Scout “Good Turn for America” initiative and the Red Cross Day of Disaster Campaign to raise relief funds to assist disaster victims. Over several hours, a total of $574.43 was raised to benefit the fund.

In an effort to increase community participation in serving others, the Boy Scouts of America has introduced Good Turn for America, an initiative designed to increase collaborations between the millions of BSA members and other groups and organizations to better meet community needs. Nationally, partnerships include the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity.

Last fiscal year, the Red Cross spent $126,311 providing disaster services throughout southern Kennebec, Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties. For the 24-hour, 365-day-a-year service, it works out to $346.06 each day.

The Day of Disaster campaign asks a wide cross section of the community to sponsor a day of disaster service – $346.06. Funds raised are applied to the chapter’s local fund.

The fund becomes the source for financial assistance that disaster relief staff and volunteers offer to local victims.

From the first of July to March 31, the chapter and its disaster relief volunteers have responded to 47 incidents, assisted 204 individuals and provided more than $51,216 in direct disaster relief services.