Girl Scouts gather funds for the American Red Cross
Girl Scout Troop 628 from Buffalo Ridge Elementary School collected $2,449.29 for the Haiti Relief Fund.
Article by Elean Gesack and photo provided by Annette Loomis
Haiti… it’s a battleground of disaster. Just days after the devastating earthquake took place, Girl Scout Troop 628 from Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) took action.
The fourth graders knew they had to do something to help, so they approached their leader, Annette Loomis. Loomis instructed the girls to create a plan and so they did. The girls hosted a contest for all BRE classrooms and offered a Girl Scout cookie party to the class that collected the most donations.
After a presentation to and approval from Principal Ally Berggren, the girls set out to make posters and create collection jars. “They showed true leadership skills working together to make the contest become a reality,” said Loomis.
Ten dollars feeds a family of four for one week. Hoping to secure enough funds to feed 100 families for a week, the girls were passionate about helping those in Haiti. “I just feel so bad for them having everything lost and struggling to find food and water,” said Girl Scout, Gabrielle. “None of us think it is fair – that comes from the heart,” said Troop 628.
On February 5, the coins and bills were tallied. A total of $2449.29 was raised in just two weeks, including $250 pledged from an anonymous local businessman. The money will go directly to the American Red Cross for the Haiti Relief Fund and will help feed about 244 families.
For grades K-2, Ms. Lang’s second grade class collected the most with $352.06. With many kids bringing in piggy banks full of change, Mrs. Shaffner’s first grade class came in second place with $193.08. For grades three to five, Mrs. Herzog’s fourth grade class collected the most with $288.75 and Mrs. Hargis’ fifth grade class came in second place with $201.55.
“It was so exciting to see fifteen 10 year-olds so dedicated and passionate about helping those in need,” said Loomis.
