Girl Scout Troop Helps Students With School Supplies, Clothes

COLUMBIA, MD — A determined group of fifth grade girls from Junior Girl Scout Troop 1022 discovered that even though Howard County is one of the richest in the nation, there still are students around them considered to be at-risk. They need school supplies and warm clothes for the winter. So the girls decided to learn about finances while gathering up much needed items to share with others.

Susan Soldavin, co-leader of Troop 1022, said the girls have engaged in other service projects before, such as filling boxes with toiletries for those who are homeless and creating warm meals for those at a women's and children's shelter. But not quite anything like this.

"This by far is their largest endeavor. It's part of their Bronze Award similar to the Boy Scouts' Eagle Scout project," Soldavin told Patch.

The troop members participated in a Money Power for Girls event in December at Cradlerock Elementary in Columbia where a guest speaker addressed money matters with the kids. The Scouts then taught break-out sessions to other attendees about being a savvy shopper, needs versus wants and budgeting.

Troop members held a school supply drive and collected crayons, pencils, markers, paper and other classroom needs.

"I felt extremely proud when I walked into school and saw the collection bins full of donated school supplies" Lillian Houston told Patch.

They also utilized donations from local businesses including a $900 grant from Toyota Financial Services and Girl Scouts USA to purchase winter coats, boots, hats, gloves and scarves.

"The students then used what they learned at the workshop to go 'shopping' in a pretend store we set up and kept their 'purchases' of those items to that they could succeed in the classroom and stay warm," said Soldavin.

Not only were the students who benefited from the troops' efforts excited, but so were the participating Girl Scouts.

"I am really thrilled that we could get a lot more stuff and help the girls even more." Gabby Crimmins told Patch.

"We are so grateful that we got all of these wonderful donations from local businesses," added Harley Rosen.