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To show its appreciation for the healthcare workers keeping our community safe during the COVID-19 crisis, Boy Scouts of America Three Rivers Council is donating more than $14,000 worth of popcorn to Southeast Texas hospitals.

The non-profit, which serves 10 counties in Southeast Texas and is based in Beaumont, usually sells the popcorn to raise money for Scouting, but decided to donate a substantial amount to the men and women battling the COVID-19 pandemic firsthand.

“These are soldiers on the front lines, working every day, during this unprecedented crisis,” said Leslie Bentley, executive director of Three Rivers Council.

“This is a small sign of our overwhelming gratitude – what we as Scouts call a ‘Good Turn’ to show our heartfelt thanks to let these healthcare heroes know how much we appreciate them.”

The Council made donations of more than $10,000 worth of popcorn to Baptist Hospital in Beaumont, The Medical Center of Southeast Texas in Port Arthur and Altus Hospital in Lumberton on Tuesday and donations of more than $4,000 worth of popcorn to Liberty Dayton Regional Medical Center and CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont are also planned.

“Today the work of our caregivers is truly speaking louder than words,” said Mary Poole, director of public relations for Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas.

“We are receiving overwhelming support from our community through words of encouragement, random acts of kindness, donated supplies and so much more. Today, please allow me to take this opportunity to say thank you to Boy Scouts of America Three Rivers Council for their amazing donation of popcorn. Your thoughtful gesture inspires each of us to strive even harder to accomplish what we have been commissioned to do — build a healthier Southeast Texas, one patient at a time.”

Since Scouting’s founding in 1910, the program has always encouraged selflessness and practicing good deeds toward one’s neighbor.

Three Rivers Council continues this tradition.