Above: William Casey unloads the groceries which were donated from fellow students at Cowper Public School, to the Maclean Soup Kitchen. The seven-year-old came up with the idea to help the less fortunate in the community, as part of his Joey Scout Challenge to help the community. Image: Contributed

Lynne Mowbray William Casey (7), from the 1st Maclean Scout Group Joey Mob, has recently completed a major challenge, which has benefited some of the less fortunate members of the community.  The Joey Scouts have a series of challenges that they can take part in, in which they strive to earn a badge. William took on the Promise Challenge which is the highest achievement for a Joey Scout (aged 6 – 8 years-old). To complete this challenge, Joeys must help their community through an idea that is conceived, planned and carried out, completely by them. William asked his fellow students at Cowper Public School to donate non-perishable food items to him so that he could pass them on to the Maclean Soup Kitchen. He designed and laminated a sign and set up a collection box in his school office and last week he presented the items to the Maclean Soup Kitchen. William said that he did this to help out people who don’t have a lot of money. “Some people come to the soup kitchen because they are lonely too,” said William. “They can have a nice meal with other people and the food is free. “I wanted to help out in the kitchen, but mum said I wasn’t big enough,” he said. Last Monday evening, Maclean Soup Kitchen co-ordinator Pattie Woodhouse received the goods from William. “We couldn’t believe it when William and his mum came through the door with all the groceries,” Ms Woodhouse said. “There were 10 bags of groceries donated to our soup kitchen, which will go towards Christmas hampers for needy families within our community. “We are very proud and in awe of William, who has achieved so much in helping the needy and he is only seven-years-old. “He is a lovely young man who is setting himself up for a great future in caring for others,” she said. William was given a tour around the soup kitchen before being invited to stay and have dinner with them. William stayed around to help clear the tables and take the dishes and utensils to the kitchen. Organisers of the Soup Kitchen have invited William back next month as an honorary guest to their Soup Kitchen Christmas Party.