Greetings, all.
I wanted to let you know about the inspiring support Simple Needs GA (SNGA) has received over the past few months from local Girl Scout troops!
It started in January at a badge-a-thon event organized by local Girl Scout leaders and volunteers. At the event, a group of Daisy Girl Scouts (kindergarten and first grade) put together gift bags for SNGA’s My Birthday Matters program, which brings brand-new toys, school supplies, a no-sew blanket, underwear and socks, and other useful items to homeless schoolchildren celebrating their birthdays. About 200 Girl Scouts showed up for the day of fun, learning, sisterhood and earning badges.
Then in March, Brownie troop 14404, which includes children from Marietta’s Devon Oaks subdivision, cohosted a cookie booth and lemonade stand, with proceeds donated to SNGA.
In April, Girl Scout Troop 14435 (from Still Elementary in Powder Springs) gave yet another boost to My Birthday Matters: “The girls were excited to give away small gifts to put a smile on the face of another child who may not be as fortunate as they are,” wrote parents Mandy Harris and Lisa Hendrix, in an email to SNGA. “They learned about the needs of homeless families in the community and found it particularly interesting that some people live in tents because they do not have homes. They were thoughtful as they considered the fact that some kids, possibly in their own class at school, leave school with no food to eat for dinner or no real place of their own to sleep.”
Also in April, a group of almost 35 Girl Scouts from the kudzu service unit gathered for a community service lock-in at a local church where the activities included making 25 no-sew or fleece-tie blankets for SNGA’s My Birthday Matters program.
During the lock-in, I had the opportunity to talk with the Girl Scouts about the various programs SNGA offers. The group included members of Daisy Troop 14409, Brownie Troop 14404, Junior Troop 13413, and Cadette Troop 2401.
Linda Vogt, co-leader of Brownie Troop 14404, learned about SNGA during this past Christmas season. “Elisabeth, my 2nd-grade daughter, and I were inspired by the organization’s dedication to helping families and children in need,” Linda said. “Elisabeth asked if she could make some blankets for My Birthday Matters. What started as something just the two of us worked on during winter break quickly became a crafty activity for Elisabeth and some of her friends. I’m so proud to watch Elisabeth and her sister scouts strive to make the world a better place and to help families in need by supporting SNGA.”
Thanks again to the Girl Scouts for all their help. I’ll definitely be buying some cookies this year!--Brenda Rhodes
Simple Needs GA 