The Narragansett Council Boy Scouts of America sent a hopeful message to the community with some sweet delights.

What brings a smile to peoples faces more than s’mores, so that’s what they gifted. With the help of Pranzi Catering the scouts gifted 300 s’mores gift packages to health care workers at Kent Hospital on Monday.

Kent Hospital has seen an outpouring of support from the community. They have received hundreds of donations and had between 8-10 formal parades from various organizations. The Narragansett Council Boy Scouts of America joined in on the parades with one of their own which included approximately a dozen cars decorated to thank health care workers filled with Scouts from Troop 55 of Riverside and a West Warwick fire truck.

Traditionally at this time of year, the Boy Scouts hold a fundraiser at the Convention Center where they host a lunch and recognize two civic leaders who have invested in Rhode Island and the South Coast Massachusetts. Proceeds support the scout reach program. This program is specifically designed to serve low income at risk minority youth and youth with special needs and disabilities who need a little bit more support.

The pandemic required a change in plans.

In place of a luncheon fundraiser at the Convention Center, which would have been impossible as it was converted into a field hospital, the scouts recognized about 800 health care workers at Kent and Rhode Island Hospitals with s’mores gift packages. In addition the scouts will pay tribute to health care workers with the distinguished citizens award in a virtual online ceremony July 23.

Tim McCandless, Scout Executive and CEO of the Narragansett Council Boy Scouts of America, spoke of how the idea came together.

“When you think about care packages and you think about scouting. If you grew up scouting you know the best care packages in the world is a s’more around the campfire.”

The gift packages given out included s’mores inspired cookies and cupcakes, a chocolate bar, and a wooden coin that bears the Narragansett Councils name and a note to say thank you.

Bob Haffey the president and CEO of Kent Hospital was personally touched by the support.

“We are thankful for the outpouring of support from our community and all of the donations and gifts we received both from individuals and organizations. It truly means a lot to us.”

Yoni Sunshine, development director of the Narragansett Council Boy Scouts of America, wants to keep the scout spirit alive during these uncertain times.

“We didn’t want a dark message but an optimistic joyful message so we figured s’mores always bring a smile to everyone’s face. We want to keep the scout spirit alive during this time.”

The 25th annual Distinguish Citizens Award will take place starting at noon on July 23. To register to join the live stream go to www.ncbsa.org/dcal.