Toms River Girl Scouts Sweeten JBJ Soul Kitchen's Meals

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A group of Toms River Girl Scouts harnessed the power of the annual Girl Scout cookie sale to help others, donating more than 150 boxes of cookies to JBJ Soul Kitchen in Toms River.

Troop 50015, a group of Brownies, spent the cookie sales season holding booth sales throughout Toms River, Manchester and Lakehurst. They had more than 28 booth sales events, including one held at Gateway Toyota where the dealership donated a box of cookies for every box sold at the dealership.

The cookies donated to JBJ Soul Kitchen, which is a nonprofit community kitchen that provides meals both to paying customers and to the needy. Those who cannot pay money are able to volunteer at the restaurant to cover the costs of their meals.

Troop Leader Denise O'Brien said the girls, all 8- and 9-year-olds, learned recently that the cookies that were donated are being used in desserts at the restaurant and in other ways, including as toppings for waffles at brunch.

Next, the girls will be headed to Jon Bon Jovi's farm in Colts Neck to volunteer on June 22, she said.

"How does positive, uplifting change begin? It starts with a question, what is our service project this year? Then it begins with an idea," O'Brien said. Planning, phone calls, emails, were put into action, the troop met with "Brie, Chef Rob, and Chef Steven at the restaurant" and helped out as volunteers, parents, children, and Girl Scouts.

"With the help of the community and Gateway Toyota, we accomplished this goal! It was all done with a little perseverance, kindness, determination, and a smile," she said.

"Thank you JBJ Soul Kitchen, Gateway Toyota, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, and the Lakehurst, Manchester, and Whiting communities for helping our girls learn the importance of paying it forward, giving back, and community," O'Brien said.

The members of the troop are: Josie, Makayla, Ellajazel, Carolann, Briana, Erin, Gianna, Isabella, Savannah, Grace, and Bailey from Troop 50342 joined them.

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