Giving Back Has Special Meaning this Holiday Season

December 22, 2004

By Ellen Christie

	Brownie Girl Scouts in Houston with Gifts With Heart founder Susan Mullins.
	In Minnesota, girls donated over 20 handmade scarves for those in need.
	Girl Scouts in Houston created games and toys for local children.

It's happening at dinner tables and at social gatherings. As this year ends and another begins, adults find themselves examining their actions of the past, and proclaiming plans for the year ahead. Some of us want to make minor adjustments, while others review the myriad statistics about at-risk youth and want to help create big changes.

The National Academy of Sciences estimates that 25% of adolescents in the U.S. are at serious risk of not achieving productive adulthoods. While such information can make us ill at ease, there are many signs of children with solid chances at bright futures, thanks to the people dedicated to making lasting impacts on our future society of leaders. Through the Girl Scout program, millions of girls from every background are inspiring adults and children alike to make the world a better place.

A Cause to Celebrate

In Houston, Texas, Girl Scouts from Troop 8015 worked with a local Lowes Home Improvement store initiative to create toys and games as gifts for local children.

Troop leader Stephanie Martinez says the girls wanted to help other children this year. "Last year our girls went to a local nursing home to give gifts to the residents, and this year they decided they wanted to help at-risk children cope with the holiday season." The girls attended "make and donate clinics" and were able to work towards their Girl Scout badges like "Toymaker", "'Making' Hobbies", and "Games For Life."

One of the highlights for the girls came on December 19, when they were able to attend a gift-exchange and actually present the gifts to children. Through this "Gifts With Heart" program, the girls experienced the joy of giving. "The girls enjoyed the project so much, they can't wait until next year to do it again," said Martinez.

Spreading Joy

When Girl Scout troop 3601 in the New Richland area of Minnesota learned there were people in their own community who must consider scarves a luxury even in their cold climate, they knew they had to do something to help. The girls, all under nine years old, purchased fleece, took a quick lesson on the process of sewing scarves, and got to work. Under the guidance of Girl Scout volunteers Anna, Jill, and Katelyn, the girls were able to make and donate over 20 scarves.

A group of ten-year-old Junior Girls Scouts in Sacramento decided to spruce up the holidays for children battling cancer at a local medical center this year. The girls made 1000 paper cranes for the hospital's Christmas tree, to be unveiled for the children during an annual party.

Early in December, Girl Scout troop 686 wanted to be sure that kids in the Triad area of North Carolina would have a Christmas of surprises to look forward to. The girls joined the local Salvation Army efforts and filled stockings for boys and girls ages 9 to 14 with toys. Girl Scouts nationwide engaged in similar activities through the end of the year and experienced the priceless joy of giving.

For inspirational stories about what Girl Scouts do in your area to make the world a better place or how you can help, contact your local Girl Scout council. Or visit www.committoagirl.org to donate to Girl Scouting.