Boy Scouts of America Celebrates National Philanthropy Day; 3,000 Scouts Rake 34 Tons of Leaves in Good Turn Yard Charge.

IRVING, Texas -- This month, the nation's leading youth service organization, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), recognizes National Philanthropy Day by honoring those who dedicate countless hours of service to the nation and encouraging all Americans to live the BSA's motto to "do a good turn daily."

National Philanthropy Day, celebrated on Nov. 15, is a 20-year-old celebration across hundreds of communities that recognizes the ways philanthropy has positively affected the world. National Philanthropy Day is celebrated by government leaders, businesses and individuals who wish to honor all of the contributions made by those who practice philanthropy on a regular basis.

The BSA continues its recognition of National Philanthropy Day throughout the month of November. "The Scout oath encourages Scouts to 'help other people at all times,'" said Roy L. Williams, Chief Scout Executive, BSA. "That is what we strive to do every day -- foster a sense of good will toward others. We are proud to recognize National Philanthropy Day in November, and throughout the year, by honoring those that are committed to service and by urging Scouts and Americans to continue to give back to their communities."

Each month, BSA councils across the United States serve Americans through the Good Turn for America (GTFA) initiative which encourages Scouts to "do a good turn daily" through a variety of community service projects. Since its inception in 2004, GTFA has generated more than 1.8 million hours of service. The GTFA initiative is BSA collaboration with The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross and thousands of other community organizations. The initiative focuses the power of volunteerism on the important community issues of hunger, shelter and health.

One example of Scouts honoring National Philanthropy Day and "doing a good turn for America" is the City of Cleveland's third installment of the "Good Turn Yard Charge: Community Clean-Up" project. On Nov. 3, approximately 3,000 Scouts and Scout leaders from more than 200 Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops and Venturing Crews across Cuyahoga County participated in the event, demonstrating the Scout Law by being helpful, friendly, courteous and kind to their community neighbors. The Scouts raked an estimated 34 tons of leaves in nearly 1,000 yards of low-income senior city residents. This annual service project is part of an ongoing partnership between the Greater Cleveland Boy Scout Council and the City of Cleveland's Department of Elder Services "Chore Program."

"We believe the GTFA initiative will continue to serve as a catalyst for service leadership and positively impact the areas where communities need it most," said Williams.

Since its inception, the BSA has trained young people in citizenship, service and leadership to better serve America's communities and families through its quality, values-based program. In the past 95 years, nearly 110 million members of Scouting have provided countless hours of service. The more than 1.7 million Eagle Scouts alone have provided an estimated 36 million hours of service through their Eagle projects. Good Turn for America aims to make a substantial positive impact on the nation by providing millions of volunteer hours to benefit those in need. More information about service and philanthropic leadership is available from the BSA at www.GoodTurnForAmerica.org.

National Philanthropy Day is registered by the Patent and Trademark Office of the U.S. Department of Commerce and is coordinated by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Serving nearly 4.9 million young people between 7 and 20 years of age with more than 300 councils throughout the United States and its territories, the Boy Scouts of America is the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. For more information on the BSA, please visit www.scouting.org.