Billings Teens Are Stepping Up for Youth Who Need Help Most

Sometimes, you run into young people who quietly make you feel really hopeful about the future.

That happened to me on Saturday when I met several cadets from Billings’ Civil Air Patrol Beartooth Composite Squadron. They were polite, motivated, and genuinely excited to talk about a project they're leading for young people in our community who could use some support.

Throughout September, the cadets are holding a community food drive to benefit Tumbleweed of Billings, which supports runaway and at-risk youth in Yellowstone County.

Billings Civil Air Patrol Cadets Collect Food for Tumbleweed

The food drive runs through September 30, with a goal of collecting nonperishable food and drinks for young people who may need something quick to eat without access to a kitchen.

Tumbleweed needs grab-and-go options, including canned chicken, canned sausage, Spam, Vienna sausages, ramen, noodle cups, canned pasta, chili, soup, protein bars, trail mix, snack packs, bottled water, Gatorade, and Capri Sun.

The cadets specifically ask people not to donate tuna because Tumbleweed already has plenty of it.

It may not seem like much to toss a few extra items into your cart during a grocery run, but those items can make a real difference for a young person trying to get through a difficult day.

Billings and Laurel Food Drive Drop Off Locations

Donations can be dropped off at three locations through September 30:

• Stewart Title of Montana, 223 Shiloh Road, Unit 10 in Billings. Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Ghosts of Grace Tattoo Collective, 2646 Grand Ave., Suite 7 in Billings. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Carlton Depot Eatery & Alehouse, 331 S. Washington Ave. in Laurel. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The project is being led by Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Hansen. Questions can be directed to khale.hansen@mtwg.cap.gov.

What Is the Civil Air Patrol in Montana

Many people have heard the name Civil Air Patrol but may not know exactly what it is.

Civil Air Patrol is the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Its volunteer members support emergency services, aerospace education, and a cadet program designed to help young people develop leadership, fitness, character, and aerospace knowledge.

Cadets can join between ages 12 and 18. The program gives them opportunities to learn, serve, and grow while becoming more involved in their communities. The Montana Wing Civil Air Patrol lists the Beartooth Composite Squadron as its Billings unit.

How Billings Cadets Are Helping Tumbleweed Youth

Meeting these cadets Saturday left an impression on me. They were not just asking people to donate food. They understood who this drive will help, why no-cook items matter, and how something as simple as a protein bar or bottle of water can help a young person in a tough spot.

That kind of leadership deserves recognition.

If you can help, consider picking up a few shelf-stable, no-cook items before September ends. These Billings Civil Air Patrol cadets are working hard to help Tumbleweed, and they are giving all of us an easy way to be part of it.