Howard County pack scores 25 blankets, 65 duffles for our youth
When most people think of the Girl Scouts, they think about cookies. So what do Girl Scouts think about? Thankfully, for their Bronze Star project, Girl Scout Troop 509 thought about the Board of Child Care!
With a focus on the foster care community, Troop 509 organized a foster fair to raise awareness about foster care and to collect donations to benefit the children at BCC. During the event, Troop 509 collected over 65 duffle bags and over 25 blankets were created for BCC’s youth.
Jennifer Rankin, an attorney representing one of our youth at BCC’s Hagerstown group home with a daughter in Troop 509, and Libby Palumbo, a senior childcare worker, were instrumental in organizing the event. On the backend of the event, Rankin and Chad Bikle, Unit Supervisor for the Hagerstown Group Home, joined Palumbo to wrap up the donation process and make sure BCC received the items collected.
“Engaging with our communities is important, and this story highlights the kind of core values we’re seeking from our employees and stakeholders,” BCC President and CEO Laurie Anne Spagnola said.
The troop is from Howard County and is comprised of middle school-aged girls, or Cadets, in the language of Girl Scouts. The youngest girls begin as Daisies or Brownies and later graduate into Junior and Cadet programs. For high school girls, Senior and Ambassador programs are available.
Palumbo, a recent recipient of BCC’s Core Values Awardee for Impact, met with the young ladies prior to the event, educating them about BCC, the organization’s purpose, and the challenges BCC’s youth face.
“Being able to share with these young ladies the challenges our youth face was a privilege,” Palumbo said. “To see the outpouring from the community – in response to the effort these girls put forth – and be an ambassador for the Board of Child Care was nothing short of wonderful.”
