HOWELL — Giving something back to the men and women who are defending America today and who have fought to defend the nation in the past was a rewarding experience for a local Brownie troop.
Gaining inspiration from a recent Tri- Town News article about American Recreational Military Services (ARMS), Linda Ann Horvath, the leader of Brownie Troop 432, Howell, discussed the idea of sending care packages to veterans and current members of the military with the girls.
In October, Horvath, Assistant Troop Leader Adrianne Violett and the girls organized a Veterans Day service project.
“All this needed to be done quickly so the veterans and military personnel could receive their goodies in time for Veterans Day on Nov. 11. The girls were all very excited to help with the project,” Horvath said.
The girls designed posters which they placed around a collection box at the Newbury School. Troop 432 meets at the school.
“The girls in my troop have been scouting since they were Daisy scouts, and this is their fourth year. Next year they will have to complete a project to earn the Bronze award and will transition into cadettes,” Horvath said.
The Brownies handed out fliers asking their fellow students to donate items for the military personnel.
On Oct. 30 the girls sorted through almost 300 items they had collected, including individual size sunscreen, hand sanitizer, candy, popcorn, soap, shampoo, hot cocoa mix and snacks, Horvath said. On Nov. 3 the items were delivered to the ARMS office in Eatontown.
“Every girl participated in the service project and received a Veterans Day patch to wear on her sash. These girls are very good citizens and they love to help others,” Horvath said.
Horvath said she believes Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from around the nation should help the men and women who protect America.
“Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts should proudly serve those who serve us. These kids are the adults of the future, and we have to teach them now how to volunteer because people should do things for the good of doing it. It instills good values in children,” she said.
— Taylor M. Lier