Local Girl Scout Troop 75949 has kept busy throughout the community.
It began in the fall when the troop, which consists of Senior and Ambassador level scouts in grades ninth through 12th, were asked what they wanted to do throughout the year. They were looking for ways they could serve others and their community.
During their January meeting, the scouts handmade Valentines for the residents of Addington Place in Clarkston. They delivered the cards with Girl Scout cookies for Valentine’s Day.
Paige Baumgras shared she likes making them cards because it helps them feel they are connected to residents and makes the residents day better.
The troop volunteered with Wreaths Across America for the second year in December to honor veterans at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.
“Is is a special way for them to honor those who have served,” said Stacey Bousho.
Scout Madison Schmidt’s great grandfather as well as scouts Eva and Charley Bousho’s uncles are buried at this cemetery.
“I love seeing the whole community come together and honor all those who have served our country,” said Schmidt. “I’m incredibly grateful to know my great grandfather, Hoy Smith, will always be celebrated and recognized during Christmas with a beautiful wreath.”
They also volunteered with HAVEN women’s shelter in Pontiac by assisting in setting up the Christmas shop.
After learning about HAVEN women’s shelter, Eva and Charley Bousho made it their personal mission to donate as many boxes of cookies as they could to the shelter.
Charley said she really liked knowing how excited everyone was when they found out someone donated the cookies to them. One year the girls included notes of encouragement taped to each box. Each year the number of donated boxes has grown because the entire troop is now collecting donated boxes of cookies for them.
Last year they donated over 200 boxes as a troop. This year they decided to also donate their time. They helped set up the “store” where families in need are able to shop at for free, at Christmas.
Eva said she felt more connected to the work done at HAVEN, by serving at the shop set up and seeing all of the donated items that would be in their homes.
They made holiday cards for military members who are currently serving during their December troop meeting.
When asked about why she enjoys making holiday cards for the military, Raquel Peña-Aguilera noted,
“As a troop we always try to help people especially around the holidays,” Raquel Peña-Aguilera shared. “I think it is important to remember it doesn’t always have to be material items. Even writing cards with motivational and thankful messages can help a person. It feels good to know even your kind words can help people feel better.”
The scouts are currently in the midst of the cookie season. They are also looking forward to their summer trip to Europe, which they have been saving for three years.
~Wendi Reardon Price

PHOTO: Girl Scouts from Troop 75949 makes cards to give out. Photo: Provided by Stacey Bousho