Service - A Cornerstone of Girl Scouting

Featured Service Project:
Bears, Blankets and Backpacks
Annual Council Service Project for Girl Scout Day at Six Flags AstroWorld

Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council Program Department volunteers and staff select a service project to offer to girls in tandem with the fun-filled Family Day at Six Flags AstroWorld. As you arrive to spend a great time at a wonderful theme park with your family and friends, what better time to help others through a service project all set up for you! Be sure to stop by the front gate, at the bottom of the ramp from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., before you cross over the 610 loop, and donate your bears, blankets and/or backpacks to these trusted, community minded and thankful groups!

     Bears are such a comfort. Do you remember your favorite stuffed toy? How you may have loved it, told it your troubles, or hugged it?
     Children who are homeless, in the hospital or victims of a home fire or other tragedy need a friend like that stuffed animal, so we appreciate your donating your new or very gently used bears (test on gently used – would you give it to a friend?) to the Council service project.
     Beneficiaries of your generous, cute donations will be donated to Teddy’s Train (Destination Non-Stop Teddy Bear Delivery). This 501 (c) (3) non-profit foundation has distributed teddy bears by special Santa and Cubby Caboose, to children and seniors confined to hospitals during the holidays for the past seven years.

     Blankets are such a natural item, many of us don’t even think about having one when we need one. For those less fortunate, a blanket is a necessity for more reasons than warmth. Can you think of some? (For the homeless blankets make bundles to carry belongings and serve as a mat to sit on.)
     Charlotte Jackson, a colleague who is in Rotary and sponsors Rotoract at San Jacinto College, sponsored a group of students to the USCC Rotaract Conference in Washington, DC where she met the founder of a wonderful group who used old clothing to minister to others. The group takes old clothes and makes them into quilts that are needed for the short term. The homeless, AIDS patients, orphaned children, the elderly – there are so many who need a lift. Check out this exciting idea at
www.reese.org/sharon/uglyqult.htm
     Blankets will be donated to Catholic Charities of the Galveston-Houston Diocese, which serves families in need.

     How many backpacks do you own? This simple item is a lifesaver for those students who can’t afford them for school. How long could you live out of a backpack? Backpacks offer security to and often carry a homeless person’s entire life, their basic necessities, reading materials, and clothing. Items that are generally found in backpacks are toothbrush, socks, t-shirt, washcloth, personal papers, underwear, snack pack, soap and toothpaste.
     Backpacks will be donated to the Lord of the Streets Episcopal Church and Outreach Mission. Their goal is to provide services that assist homeless individuals in accessing mainstream social service programs that address their basic needs and assist in rebuilding their lives one day at a time.

In real terms, this group strives to provide:

• medical care to 500+ homeless individuals
• thousands of information and referrals
• financial assistance to 1,500 homeless individuals
• clothing, hygiene items, and/or transportation assistance to 2,000 homeless individuals

Thank you for your donation, and have a great time at Six Flags AstroWorld knowing you’ve given comfort and warmth and security to others.