With Christmas approaching, the thoughts of the girls in Junior Girl Scout Troop 2131 of Bellville may have lingered on what they were wishing for Christmas, but they also considered what they could give to others.
The troop, of 10 registered members in fourth and fifth grades, started talking in October about what kind of community service project they could do with their troop funds. The funds were earned from their annual Girl Scout cookie sales.
The Scouts decided to use their money to buy gifts for those in need, including residents of the Domestic Violence Shelter.
“We ended up providing for two families: two children picked from the Giving tree and the Domestic Violence Shelter. They bought 73 items consisting of clothing, toys, personal hygiene items, bottles, wipes, and paper towels. They will wrap presents at our next meeting on December 16,” stated leader Deb Altman.
The troop also has two other leaders: Amy VanTilburg and Wendy Carey.
Through the activity, the Girl Scouts earned their Savvy Shopper badge which is one of the financial literacy badges.
“Part of earning this badge was to comparison shop and to decide between needs and wants. I thought this was the perfect time to work on this badge,” said Altman.
This troop is very active in the community. Recently they sang Christmas carols for the local Lioness Club, marched in the Bellville Christmas parade, organized the holiday craft for after the parade, and then did their shopping on December 9. They also frequent various nursing homes.
“I like that we can do community service,” said troop member Samantha Altman, “I like that we help other people. I really like making new friends with the other girls and selling cookies.”
