WHITING — Members of Scouting America Troop 441 sprang into action this week after a call went out seeking help for a 93-year-old Whiting resident who needed a safe path cleared so her caregivers could reach her home.
According to the troop’s Scoutmaster Larry Berberich, the request was shared with families and drew an immediate response. Within an hour, Scouts and parents were on scene, clearing snow and ice from walkways and opening the driveway.
In addition to shoveling a safe path to the home, the volunteers cleared the driveway, started and moved a vehicle, and checked in with the resident, whose family said the help made a difficult day far easier.
“This kind of service doesn’t happen by accident,” Berberich said, crediting the troop’s culture of community service and the leadership of past Scoutmasters for instilling those values.
Ellen Dzwonar, the resident’s daughter, said she turned to the Scouts after unsuccessfully contacting local emergency services and private companies for assistance. A call to Scouting America led to a rapid response from Troop 441.
“In a matter of minutes, Larry rallied a team of local Boy Scouts to answer the call for help,” Dzwonar told Jersey Shore Online. “This scout crew did a wonderful job of clearing the snow and ice from the vehicle, driveway and front steps.”
Dzwonar praised the Scouts, their parents and leaders for their willingness to serve, saying their actions reflected strong leadership and a commitment to helping neighbors in need.
Troop leaders said the effort underscores the mission of Scouting America, emphasizing community service, teamwork and responsibility.
