November and December bring holidays that help each of us to count our blessings and encourage families to gather to share in the joys of the season. I hope that 2002 is such a year for you.

All of us have many things we can be thankful for. At the top of our list should be the fact that we live in the United States that is still the land of opportunity and a haven for freedom. Most of us have no idea what it would be like to live without these opportunities and freedoms, yet I believe that we still understand that they are precious.

In scouting, we hope to help mold the character of our youth so that they will be even better citizens tomorrow. We do this through Chartering Organizations that take ownership of our units, adult volunteer leaders who give freely of their time, and with proven programs and methods provided by the Boy Scouts of America.

I'm sure our scouts would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you who serve as a volunteer in scouting to help them grow.

Our program would not work without you. During this Holiday Season, I want you to also know that I count as one of my special blessings, the thousands of dedicated volunteers that we have in the Northwest Suburban Council.

Thanks for all you do!