This February, the 4th and 5th-grade Girl Scouts of Troop #51300 at Holy Cross Academy in Ross Township participated in World Thinking Day, a global event that celebrates international friendship and encourages young girls to reflect on global and local issues. After learning about the significance of this day, each scout proposed an initiative for their troop to focus on in the coming year - ultimately selecting nine meaningful causes to support.
One of the initiatives the girls chose was addressing food insecurity in their community, which led them to collect food donations for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank, located in Haber Hall at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Ross Township. Last week, the troop gathered and delivered their donations to the pantry, where they were welcomed by longtime volunteer Mrs. Jackie Musgraves. Mrs. Musgraves guided the girls on a tour of the facility, explaining how families in need - referred to as "neighbors" - apply for assistance and are welcomed into the food bank.
The visit was an eye-opening experience for the young scouts. Alaina D., one of the girls, asked if the food was free, and Mrs. Musgraves explained that all donations come from generous community members, just like their troop. Kennedy Z. inquired whether the neighbors received more than just the food stocked on the shelves. Mrs. Musgraves shared that, in addition to pantry staples, the food bank receives near-expiration produce and packaged meats from Giant Eagle, as well as a $20 Giant Eagle gift card for each family upon their visit—offering a level of dignity and choice that sets this food pantry apart from others.
The experience left a lasting impression on the scouts, reinforcing the importance of service and giving back to those in need. As they waited for their families to pick them up, they reflected on what they had learned and posed for a group photo to commemorate the moment. Parent Jenn Miller praised the initiative, sharing, “This was such a wonderful idea, and the fact that the girls are able to support a parish initiative that helps sustain their school is truly a win-win.”
Through their commitment to service and leadership, the girls of Troop #51300 are making a real difference in their community - one thoughtful initiative at a time.
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