Charleston Girl Scouts Step Up for Local Veterans
Charleston County is buzzing with good deeds as a group of local Girl Scouts from Troop 689 rolls up their sleeves and shows their appreciation for our nation’s heroes just in time for Veteran’s Day. These enterprising youngsters have put together a heartfelt project aimed at helping service members in need.
What They Did
Troop 689 organized a collection drive to gather non-perishable food, household goods, socks, and bathroom essentials for donation. Their generous offerings have found a home at Patriot Villas, a unique establishment on Rivers Avenue that has transformed a motel into essential housing for previously homeless veterans. The supplies contributed by the Girl Scouts will be utilized in Patriot Villas’ Free Pantry Fridays program, allowing veterans to take what they need while enjoying a warm meal.
A Community Effort
What’s even more wonderful about this initiative is the community support that made it all possible. The Girl Scouts got a helping hand from local groups like The Hat Ladies of Charleston, who rallied together to aid in this noble endeavor. It was truly a combined effort showcasing the power of community spirit!
Inspiration Behind the Project
It’s touching to see that the motivations behind this service project come from the heart. The Girl Scouts were inspired by their own family members in the military. Jalah Brown, a member of Troop 689, said it beautifully; “Both my parents are veterans, and my mom retired this year. It’s good to give back to people who serve for America.” This sense of gratitude clearly shines through in their actions.
Making A Bigger Impact
Currently, Patriot Villas manages to open the pantry once a month. But with more contributions from fantastic initiatives like that of the Girl Scouts, the hope is to make Free Pantry Fridays a bi-weekly gathering by the year 2025. Kelly Carroll, a volunteer and coordinator at Patriot Villas, expressed how vital groups like the Girl Scouts are to their mission, “It is imperative to have groups like the Girl Scouts to help us.”
It is crucial to remember that Patriot Villas operates entirely on donations and volunteer work. “To stock the pantry and be able to do what we do for the veterans is all volunteer-based and donated by members of the community,” Carroll pointed out, emphasizing how inspiring it is to see the younger generation stepping up to support veterans.
A Call to Action
Patriot Villas holds a steadfast belief that we owe our veterans more than what is given upon their return after bravely serving their country. The Girl Scouts embody this spirit in their Promise to help people at all times, and they invite others in the community to do the same. Lauren Wilder from Troop 689 shared a motivating message hoping to stir action in others: “Be a leader… do things that will help other people and not just temporarily help people, but things that will help people in the long run.”
Such wise words from these young leaders highlight the long-lasting impact of kindness and community involvement. If anyone wishes to contribute to the efforts of Free Pantry Fridays and Patriot Villas, donations are always welcome, and every little bit helps!
Charleston is truly blessed to have these caring Girl Scouts who not only recognize but actively work to uplift the heroes that serve our country. Their commitment is a shining example of how a little effort can go a long way in making a difference.
