STEAC STORIES

Special to The Enterprise

June 19, 2019

When the Junior Girl Scouts of Troop 915 of Davis thought about how they could improve their community and earn a Girl Scout bronze award, they immediately thought about helping people who struggle to afford basic needs like food and toiletries.

They invited Katy Zane, the Short Term Emergency Aid Committee program consultant to speak at a troop meeting to get more information about how to help.

“They had a lot of questions about our homeless neighbors,” said troop leader Maggie Memmott.

After thinking it over, the girls decided they wanted to create “Blessing Bags,” full of useful items geared toward these neighbors. Zane explained that in addition to basic toiletries, items such as sewing kits, ponchos and socks are also in great need.

Troop 915 solicited donations from family, friends and members at Get Fit Sport gym.

Then they teamed up with two Brownie troops to write and illustrate notes full of positive messages like “A Girl Scout is sending you a smile” and “Have a Great Day!” to include in every bag.

The girls, Aine Walsh, Maddie Shull, Mimi Abbker, Bea Taormino and Yoriko Campero-Shiraishi, assisted by troop leaders Liz Colenzo and Maggie Memmott, made 50 bags, stuffed full of useful items.

Last week the girls delivered 25 bags, customized for men and women, to STEAC, and will deliver the other 25 directly to people on the street.

“STEAC is so impressed with the thoughtfulness and leadership that these Junior Girl Scouts demonstrated through this project,” Zane said, adding, “The families and individuals we serve will be touched by their kindness.”

For information about STEAC visit www.steac.org.