Back row, from left: John Crown, Rick King, Adam Kosan, Keith Kosan, Allen King and Dylan DesRochers. Front, from left: Mark Richerson, Rebecca Sloan, Elizabeth Tran and Diem Tran. Venturers from 007 Venture Crew out of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church are planning a St. Patrick’s Day walk on March 14. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – Putting a charitable spin on St. Patrick’s Day while helping the less fortunate with perishable food items is an aim of the 007 Venture Scout Crew of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

The group, which is affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, has planned a “St. Patrick’s Day Family Parade and Pet Walk” on Sunday, March 15 at 2 p.m. The walk will start at Discovery Middle School, wind down Hughes Road and travel back to the starting point for an around-three-mile walk.

The cost is free, but venturers are encouraging participants to donate non-perishable food items for human – or dog – consumption. The proceeds will benefit either the St. Vincent de Paul food bank or The Ark animal shelter.

“We try to do one service project per year,” president Allen King, senior at James Clemens High School, said. “We do a lot of trail cleanups, so we’re just trying to mix it up.”

Irish costumes and attire are encouraged. Pets on leashes with updated vaccinations are also welcome. King estimated the entire event to last somewhere around two hours.

In case of rain, donations will still be collected in the parking lot of Discovery Middle School.

“We will try to deliver donations that day, if everything works out,” King said.