t More than 120 girls help with local food drive.
After making Easter baskets for the St. Vincent de Paul food bank in Bremerton, local Girl Scout troops are taking their involvement to an even higher level.
Nine troops have been collecting food and other essential items for the food bank since March 27 as part of an effort that will culminate on May 3, said Girl Scout service unit manager Margie Torbron.
“After the excitement of St. Vincent de Paul’s recieving the baskets, we decided we as a service unit wanted to have our portion of the food drive given to our community,” Torbron said. “We know that St. Vincent helps feed the needy and the elderly.”
With more than 120 girls participating, it’s hard to say just how much has been collected so far, she said, adding that the girls have been extremely active in creating an awareness of the effort.
“The girls are trying to make the community aware of the needs for food through fliers, door hangers in their neighborhood and making arrangements to collect the food, donations boxes in various locations in Bremerton and contacting the newspapers,” she said. “So far the response has been good, although we are striving for great.”
All types of food including canned and boxed are needed, she said. Fresh fruit and produce along with frozen foods and dairy products are needed as well.
The cold and frozen foods will be collected from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 3 at the Jackson Park Community Center, 90 Olding Road in Bremerton.
Although food items are at premium, personal hygiene products, diapers sizes 3, 4 and 5 and baby food and formula are being collected, too, she said.
As the girls give back to the community, they are receiving something in the effort that will benefit them for the rest of their lives, Torbron said.
“They are learning that there are a lot of people who need help in our community,” she said. “Not to mention that it teaches them good deeds, problem solving, making good decisions, community awareness, being role models and so much more. It’s one small step towards helping the Bremerton community.”
