Community steps up after Cub Scouts’ popcorn van is stolen

WASILLA — Wasilla American Legion Post 35 joined other community organizations giving a boost to American Cub Scout Pack 369 Tuesday evening. The post presented the Wasilla-based pack with a $1,000 check to help cover costs after the pack’s trailer and major source of fundraising was stolen in Wasilla on Oct. 15.

Pack 369 pack leader Zach Stanley said culprits used grinders and blow torches to not only break inside the trailer, but to eliminate all vehicle identification numbers (VIN) off the 16x7 cargo trailer. Although the Scouts got the trailer back—with approximately $1,500 in damage— its contents were lost. Pack 369 is 96 members strong and comprised of youth kindergarten through fifth grade.

Stanley explained the unit contained approximately $4,000 in popcorn—the pack’s annual fundraiser which pays for all of its activities for the upcoming year. Also taken were the pack’s tents, cook stoves, canopy, tables, signage, propane tanks and the unit’s color guard equipment used in ceremonies throughout the year. Stanley said he estimated the total content value between $5,500-$6,000. The trailer and contents were not insured.

“If it had been in my yard or hooked up to my vehicle, we would have been covered,” Stanley explained. “We sell our popcorn door-to-door during September. The money raised is how our pack functions. It allows us to go to ceremonies, have awards, go on field trips and helps with summer camp fees.”

Stanley said his wife came up with the idea of contacting an Anchorage television station, not to ask for public assistance, but to get the word out about the theft.

“I wasn’t asking for money or donations, I just wanted extra eyes and ears out in the community,” Stanley said, hoping someone may have saw or knew something that would help police with its investigation. “The first few days I received calls saying they would like to help. I told them ‘no’. That’s not why I did (the interview). I decided the boys will not miss anything. If I had to, I was going to use my personal money (to cover the shortfall). I’ve been in scouting my entire life.”

However, community generosity prevailed. Through a fundraising effort, Facebook’s Alaska Worst Driver group covered costs for a new trailer, five tents and a cook stove. Alaska Car Crushing and Recycling heard of the misfortune and made a financial donation along with fishing gear. Stanley said KNZD-FM recently conducted a live remote fundraiser in Eagle River with pack members interviewed.

“Then the American Legion called late last week. They had heard of what happened and had a meeting amongst themselves. They felt bad and wanted to help,” Stanley said.

Post 35 First Vice President Jim Pisa notes the American Legion’s history is steeped in Boy Scout and scouting in general. He said the organization has always supported scouting programs, both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts—as well as youth programs in general. Additionally, the national group is involved with state programs such as Boy’s State, Oratorical and Legion baseball. Post 35 has helped other local groups such as Wasilla High School’s volleyball, girls’ basketball and swim teams as well as the Houston High football program.

“We do a lot in the community. Not only with our youth, but with our veterans as well,” Pisa said. “Our veterans are still serving America.”

Post 35 Commander Dan Larson agreed with Pisa’s comments adding Post 35 is an American Legion post first. It just happens to have a bar attached to it, Larson added.

Stanley said the entire ordeal has allowed his scouts to learn both really hard, and at the same time, valuable lessons.

“The community still cares and wants them to blossom into great members of our society. It’s awesome,” Stanley said. “I can’t put into words what the community has done for these scouts.”

Anyone wishing to help can contact Stanley at 907-315-0696 or visit the pack’s Facebook page at Wasilla Cub Scout Pack 369.