The motto of the Boy Scouts of America is Be Prepared. Eagle Scout, Saugus High School Graduate (class of 1993) and Santa Clarita Valley resident, Derek Morton saw first hand the benefit of being prepared while serving the community as a Santa Monica police officer.
For five years, Officer Morton made monthly donations to the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry to purchase first aid kits for low-income families. The Morton family has a long tradition of helping others, Derek protected and served his community and cared deeply about helping others. His mother, Carol has been a faithful volunteer at the SCV Food Pantry for over 20 years. His sister has also helped at the Food Pantry over the years. All three Morton boys did their Eagle Scout service projects for the SCV Food Pantry.
When Derek passed away last fall, after a two-year battle with colon cancer, his dedication to help others prepare for the emergencies life has to offer continued when his family set up the Derek Morton Memorial Fund at the SCV Food Pantry. At Derek’s memorial service, the Morton family requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to this fund for the purchase of first aid kits and emergency/earthquake kits to help those who could not otherwise afford these essential items. Last year’s earthquake in Haiti and the recent devastation in New Zealand and Japan remind us just how important it is to “be prepared.”
Derek’s mother Carol says “The SCV Food Pantry is a group of amazing volunteers providing a vital service to Santa Clarita residents. I volunteer every Thursday, and no matter what I feel like when I begin the day, by the end of the shift I feel wonderful because of my association with all involved and the appreciation of the clients.”
The SCV Food Pantry is celebrating its 25th Anniversary of neighbors helping neighbors… because “No child in the Santa Clarita Valley should go to bed hungry.”
For more information about the Derek Morton Memorial Fund, the SCV Food Pantry and the services provided visit www.scvfoodpantry.org or call 661-255-9078.