Scouts rounding up financial donations

Despite generous contributions, the goal for Boy Scouts of America Buffalo Trail Council's annual fundraiser hasn't been met.

The Buffalo Trail Council, which serves 18 counties in West Texas, still needs $20,000 to reach its goal of raising $305,000 - about $6,000 more than last year's goal - during its Friends of Scouting fundraiser, which began in January. Lyman Gifford, the council's scout executive and CEO, said all the money raised would stay in West Texas.

"We're aware that it's a difficult time in a touch economy, and we've made adjustments and cuts in our budget," Gifford said. "We also recognize that this is a time when our children need to be as close to normalcy as ever. This is a program where they can do so."

The fundraiser, which involves both one-time donations and monthly pledges, provides the council with its primary source of funding and comes mainly from individuals, he said.

Although $20,000 is needed to reach the goal, the council would like to raise $30,000 to cover any losses from unfulfilled pledges, Gifford said. A pledge of $10 per month will support one Cub Scout or Boy Scout.

Donations help pay for operational costs, such as liability insurance and utility bills, as well as program development, he said, which include a variety of activities Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts participate in throughout the year - from weekend camping trips to a weeklong summer camp.

Dan Wagoner, the council's advancement committee chairman, said he has been involved with Boy Scouts for about 30 years and believes Scouts learn numerous lifelong skills by participating in the program.

"First aid, tying knots, camping correctly - there's all kind of skills they learn in Scouting," said Wagoner, who mostly works with Troup 34 in Odessa. "The program is about teaching character and lifelong skills that carry on throughout their whole life."

About 6,000 children and youth will be enrolled in Boy Scouts across the region this year, Gifford said, including a larger number of minority participants than previous years.

The Friends of Scouting fundraiser is scheduled to finish at the end of June but may be extended through July if the goal hasn't been reached today.

IF YOU DONATE

>> Donors can make a one-time gift or a monthly pledge.

>> Monthly donations can be withdrawn from a bank account or charged to a credit card automatically.

>> Checks can be sent to the Buffalo Trail Council at 1101 W. Texas Ave., Midland TX 79701.

>> Call 570-7601.