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Boy Scouts Popcorn Kickoff

Hunter Williams, a Cub Scout with Boy Scout Pack 2 of Central United Methodist Church, was on hand at Citizens National Bank on Monday to tell everyone how much he enjoys the adventures of scouting that are made possible through the Choctaw Area Council's annual popcorn sale. Pictured from left to right are Ken Kercheval (CEO of Choctaw Area Council), Hunter Williams, and Archie McDonnell (CEO of Citizens National Bank).

Local cub scouts and boy scouts have officially kicked off their annual popcorn fundraiser.  Ken Kercheval, Executive Director for the Choctaw Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, was on hand to give an overview of the popcorn sale during a press conference which was held at Citizens National Bank's Downtown Banking Centre in Meridian.

"This fundraiser is vital to our Scouting program," Kercheval said. "The popcorn sale supports our local scouting units in east Mississippi, which include Kemper, Lauderdale, Neshoba, Newton, and Clarke counties, as well as Choctaw County in West Alabama.  The funds are used to help area boys pay for scouting uniforms, attend camp and purchase the equipment they need,” he added.

The Council is selling Trail’s End brand of popcorn this year, and the flavors include their Chocolate and Cheese Lover’s Collections as well as Unbelievable Butter, White Chocolate Pretzels, and Classic Caramel Corn, just to name a few.  The Council’s fundraising goal this year is $185,000, and some big prizes are in store for their top sellers.

In addition to their door to door sales, local scouts will be setting up at various locations around town for show and sell events.  In the meantime, door to door sales have already begun and the sale will continue through late November.

“When our Scouts ask you to buy their popcorn, we want everybody to know that there’s a lot more to it than just enjoying great popcorn,” Kercheval said. “Your popcorn purchase is a vote of confidence for local boys who are training to become our leaders of tomorrow,” he said, adding that the fundraiser is important because it teaches Scouts to set a goal, develop their selling techniques, and learn to interact with people.

Kercheval also said Citizens National Bank’s support of the popcorn sale has been a huge asset to the council’s fundraising success over the years. The bank promotes the popcorn sale in a number of ways, including digital billboard messages, and radio commercials.  “We are truly grateful for our partnership with Citizens National Bank over the years to help us get the word out,” Kercheval added.

Archie McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer of Citizens National Bank, agrees that the partnership between the Bank and the Scout Council has been a great one over the years as the bank believes in supporting local youth.  “Area youth have a much greater chance of being successful when they know that local community leaders support their efforts to make the right choices and develop leadership skills that last a lifetime.  As a locally owned, community bank, we truly believe it is our civic responsibility to make a difference, and we refer to it as the Power of Local,” McDonnell added.

To learn more about the Choctaw Area Council’s popcorn fundraiser, or to sign up your child for scouting, call 601-693-6757 or visit their office in person at 4818 North Park Drive. You can also visit the Choctaw Area Council’s website, www.cacbsa.org, to find the scout unit nearest you.