Belle, Bear & Berry

January 16, 2009

Even kids can see and need and work to fill it.

Girl Scout Troop 10652 from Normandale Elementary in Edina delivered over 75 Pajama's and handmade blankets to People Serving People, but this was more than just collecting a few PJ's and dropping them off....

When troop 10652 planned their community service drive they had some goals in mind:

1. Girls would understand a need
   
   • They wanted to help children.
   • They wanted to know how the economy was affecting girls in their own community.
   • The statistics from a Star Tribune article this fall was really shocking to them - Minneapolis estimates that about 5,500 of its 35,000 students -- about one out of six -- are homeless or lack permanent housing at some point during the school year ( Star Tribune 9/8/2008
     
2. Girls would know who the children are who would benefit
   
   • They do not know them specifically, but they did know they were trying to reach homeless children in the Mpls Public School district.
     
3. Girls would fulfill a need
   
   • PJ's -- there that many are long johns that can be worn under clothing
   • Expanded into books for a children's library
   • Expanded into homemade blankets from troop 12226
     
4. Girls would involve more than just their own troop.
   
   • They invited other troops at their school to participate, at least 4-5 troops at Normandale participated.
     
5. Girls would understand the organization that they were donating to.
   
   • Girls watched a video at People Serving People which explained the organization and why volunteering is so important.
   • They toured the facility and were able to ask questions
   • They were excited to see that People Serving People offers a Girl Scout Troop every week.
     
6. Girls would actively participate
   
   • Many did chores around the house to earn money for the PJ's
   • Many went through their own library and donated books.
   • When the girls delivered the PJ's and books, they spent time organizing the children's library
   • They spent time at the facility.
     

People Serving People Statistics is largest and most comprehensive, family-focused shelter in Minnesota. 60% of their guests are children under the age of 18 and the average age of a guest is just 7 years old. Approximately 300 guests are sheltered each night and 30 days is the average stay for a guest. 35 school buses arrive twice a day to take children to their hometown schools across the county. 2,000 children are provided child care and attend developmental programs annually. 700 tutoring sessions are given to children annually.

In the picture from back to front Isabella O., Brianna L., Sophia S, Maggie S and in front Holly L. (troop members not pictured Isabel A, Isabelle J, Margie J, Zelda K., Megan L, Erin M, Elizabeth O, Eleanor S, Zoë V

Respectfully Submitted by
Linda Lutgen
Troop 10652