Service to others is one of the pillars of Girl Scouting. In fact, the third line of the Promise, which we recite at every Girl Scout meeting, reminds us, “To help people at all times.” This sentiment is echoed in the Girl Scout Law, in more than one line. Being helpful to others and making the world a better place are the epitome of Girl Scouting. Although, these actions can take place at any time during the year, it is especially important around the holidays.
Many people are separated from family (doctors, police, firefighters, EMT’s/First Responders, military, the elderly, people from broken or abusive homes, or people without homes) and it can get particularly lonely for those folks. Even the smallest Girl Scout can make a difference and help to make the world a better place. Sometimes all you have to do is look inside your home and find things that could be of better use to someone else. Clean out your closet and send unworn/outgrown clothes to Goodwill, your local Children’s Shelter or the American Red Cross for disaster relief. If your pantry is full of non-perishable items and you have some to spare send them to the local food bank or host a food drive with your troop. There are many more ways to help out, for more ideas check out Community Service Ideas.
Over the next few weeks I will be highlighting girls and their community service efforts. This is your chance to show everyone what great Girl Scouts you are! Please share with the rest of the council what you as individuals or as a troop are doing in your community to help out. You can send them directly to me at eturner@gslpg.org, post them to our facebook wall or send them to us on twitter with the hashtag #GSLPGservice.
-Erin
