They remove trash from highways and riverbanks, take food to the needy, help out after natural disasters, develop playgrounds, improve parks, build Habitat for Humanity houses and perform a host of other service projects for senior citizens, hospitals, veterans memorials and other good causes. In the midst of the Depression, Boy Scouts provided nearly 2 million items of clothing, food and household furnishings for the needy. In 1954, Scouts planted more than 6 million trees and set out 55,000 nesting boxes for birds. In 1988, Scouts collected 65 million cans of food for the poor. Other Scouting programs have urged people to comply with the national census, donate blood and organs, practice natural resource conservation and implement Civil Defense advice.
Scouts serve their country in wartime, too.
During World War I, Boy Scouts grew fruits and vegetables on thousands of mini-farms, sold war bonds and savings stamps to help finance the war, and organized coastal patrols to watch for enemy ships. They collected 100 train car-loads of peach pits and nut hulls to make charcoal for gas mask filters. World War II saw Scouts distribute posters, conduct defense housing surveys, sell war bonds, assist the Red Cross and provide food for GIs. An Emergency Service Corps composed of older Scouts worked with Civil Defense officials as messengers, emergency medical assistants and fire watchers. Scouting also helps out militarily.