Friends Of 502 Inc

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read our story. We are Troop 502 of Pineville, North Carolina, a dedicated group of Scouts who have been working together for over 25 years. Recently, we experienced a devastating loss that has shaken our Troop to the core—but we’re not giving up. With the support of people like you, we will rebuild and continue to move forward.

A few weeks ago, our troop’s trailer and gear were stolen from the church premises where we meet. Despite our best efforts and working closely with local law enforcement, it seems unlikely that the thieves will be caught. While the trailer itself was eventually recovered in a nearby field, it was in poor condition—damaged beyond repair, with all our essential gear gone.

What’s missing isn’t just the tents, coolers, stoves, and cookware. The real loss is the history and memories we’ve created over the years. Our beloved troop flag, countless awards, and many handmade items and plaques created by both Scouts and leaders over the last 25 years are gone—irreplaceable mementos that symbolized the hard work, camaraderie, and spirit of our Troop.

We hoped that insurance might help us recover some of the loss, but unfortunately, the claim filed by the church was denied. The insurance company determined that the property was owned by the Troop, not the church, and therefore, no restitution will be provided. This news has been a heavy blow to us, as our Troop simply doesn’t have the financial resources to repair the trailer or replace the missing gear.

While we can live with dents and scrapes on the trailer, it’s clear that we need new doors and locks, as the thieves caused extensive damage when trying to break in. Replacing essential gear like tents, cooking equipment, and outdoor gear is also a significant financial challenge for us. However, we are determined to carry on with the principles of Scouting—our Duty to God, Duty to Country, and Duty to Self remain as strong as ever.

We are working hard to make new memories, and while we can never replace the one-of-a-kind mementos we lost, we are finding strength in each other and in our shared mission.

We’re reaching out to our community for support as we rebuild. Every little bit helps. Whether it’s a donation, or simply sharing our story with your friends and family, we are grateful for any assistance you can offer. Our Troop is dedicated to ensuring that the next generation of Scouts will have the same opportunities for growth, learning, and adventure that we’ve had. Your support will make that possible.

Thank you for your generosity, your kindness, and for being a part of Troop 502’s journey. Together, we will rebuild stronger than before.

Yours in Scouting,
Troop 502

https://troop502.com/