Members of Simpsonville’s Troop 158 spent Saturday raising funds to help the Scouts who were injured in a van accident near Camp Old Indian Boy Scout Camp last month.

The Simpsonville Scouts held a benefit car outside Simpsonville United Methodist Church, according to Mark Smith, Troop 158 Scoutmaster.

“Our Scout leadership decided that they wanted to hold a car wash to benefit and add to the fund that the Blue Ridge Council has set up to help offset or defray costs to the families that had expenses based on driving up from Florida, food, lodging or whatever other expenses they had,” Smith said. “Our Scouts decided they wanted to help out and add to that fund so they decided to come up with the car wash.”

The weather cooperated and the car wash had a good turnout. As Scouts finished up one vehicle, others were waiting in line.

“A lot of people driving by with donations,” Smith said. “It’s an excellent opportunity for them to give back to the Scouting program.”

One Scout injured in the accident is still at the August Burn Center, he said.

“He was the most seriously injured,” Smith said. “He received chemical burns to 50-60 percent of his body and had to have his lower left leg amputated.

“He’s progressing,” he continued. “He’s sitting up. He’s on his road to recovery.”

Smith said the troop could do other fundraisers for the victims in the future. 

“We’ve had a lot of the other troops in the area support us,” he said. “We’ve got Scouts from other troops here today. We’ve got other Scoutmasters that have put it out to their Scouting families and are supporting us.”

Scouts and leaders from Troop 159, also based in Simpsonville, helped out with the car wash.   

“We’ve had other troops’ family members that have come through and made donations or  got their car washed and made a donation,” Smith said. “It’s been a good turnout, much better than I expected.”

Simpsonville United Methodist Church donated the use of the water, electricity and use of the front driveway for the car wash, Smith said.

“Everybody’s been behind us 100 percent,” he said.