Three fifth grade girls in Arabi recently earned Girl Scouts’ third highest award, the Bronze Award, for making and distributing face masks in their community to help combat the spread of Covid-19.
The girls from Troop 46354 originally planned to partner with the Chalmette Food Bank to include recipes in food boxes but changed their plans when the pandemic hit. Instead, the troop decided to make face masks to help stop the spread, and they agreed that food and book pantries would be a safe way to distribute them.
The girls researched different ways to make masks and decided to use socks after pricing other materials. They purchased socks in various sizes and designs and each girl made 48 masks.
The girls also attached information cards to the masks to help educate others on how to reduce the spread of Covid-19. The troop worked with their local Kiwanis Club to distribute the masks at Little Free Libraries around St. Bernard Parish.
Troop Leader Sharon Simmons says her troop enjoys solving problems in the community and has already planned their next service project. “Next, we will be having a book drive to replace some of the books that were damaged by Hurricane Zeta,” she said.
To earn a Bronze Award, Girl Scout Juniors must dedicate 20 hours to solving an issue in their community. Girl Scouts encourages girls to take an active role in their communities, and through the Highest Awards, Girl Scouts gain important leadership skills and learn that seemingly small actions can make a big impact.
Girl Scouts is a way of life that brings out the best in your girl, even in the most challenging of times. GSLE is also seeking volunteers to help manage virtual and safe, in-person troops. More information at www.gsle.org/volunteer.
