In 1950 a tradition of collecting clothing and non-perishables was initiated that involved the East Portland Rotary Club, Goodwill Industries, and the Columbia Pacific Council (now the Cascade Pacific Council), Boy Scouts of America.

The first Saturday in March was established as the annual day for this joint service project. This project mobilizes Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from Longview, Washington to Albany, Oregon and from Tillamook to The Dalles. Youth members go door to door collecting clothing and collectibles that are given to Goodwill Industries uses the process of retailing these goods to provide job training for disabled people. This is the largest single-day collection of clothing and non-perishable items in the nation and is part of the biggest job-training program for disabled Americans in the country.

This is a chance to teach Scouts about community service. They will be traveling in pairs, knocking on doors in their neighborhood, asking for donations of used goods to help people with disabilities. This is the kind of task that builds character, social skills, and caring – qualities that we endeavor to teach our youth. This project promotes Scouting and the good deeds that result from program activities. The Scouts will earn segments and patches, and are sure to have fun. So sign Scouts up this year for Goodwill Good Turn Day. District Goodwill Good turn chairs will be sharing additional information at local roundtable meetings.

For more information or your district Goodwill chairman’s name and phone number, call your local Scout service center.