Morgan’s scouting for decorations

By Lia Bichel
CHRISTMAS is six weeks away, but 13-year-old Morgan Hancock is already in the giving spirit.
Through the Noble Park Scout Group, Morgan has spearheaded an initiative to collect Christmas decorations for victims of the February bushfires.
With the help of his Scout Leader Dot Purton and recycling giant Visy, the Scout group has placed large collection bins at local businesses, shops in the Parkmore Shopping Centre Christmas Cave in Keysborough, Christmas Kingdom in Doveton and council’s customer service centres in Springvale, Dandenong and Parkmore.
Card and gift retailer Wrappings has already donated enough to fill one bin and young Noble Park Scouts donated hand-made decorations.
Morgan said he came up with the plan when he was thinking about the upcoming holiday.
“I was thinking about the victims one day and also was thinking about Christmas, and thought about how bad it would be without any decorations,” Morgan said. “We want to collect as much as we can.”
Ms Purton said she was impressed with Morgan’s ambition to help people in need. “He has gone over and above anything that would be required for a (Scout) badge,” she said. “He is a very thoughtful and community-minded person,” she said.
Morgan said the Scout group would accept indoor and outdoor decorations, including lights, wreaths or home-made goods.
All donations must be made by 27 November.