Girl Scout Ambassador Cathy of Troop 126 earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for completing a project that made a global impact and involved providing school supply kits to hundreds of children living all across the world.
To accomplish her goal of making education accessible regardless of a family’s ability to purchase school supplies, she worked with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), a nonprofit organization that offers worldwide emergency relief and development programs to those in need.
The young change-maker developed a supply list with the help of IOCC and received donations from her community to support the project, enough for 200 supply kits! The kits were packed over the course of two workshops, which were hosted by Cathy. With enthusiasm and passion, she shared the meaning of her project with other kids, inspiring them to take an interest in the cause. Her contagious energy and dedication motivated her peers to ask questions and get involved by helping with packing the school supply kits. They eagerly listened as she spoke about making a difference!
“As of September 2022, over half a million students have been reportedly displaced from Ukraine alone. Creating the kits allowed me to provide an important sense of security for children in uncertain times. This directly affects children who are growing up in crisis and have had to leave everything behind. The IOCC determines exactly where kits are sent based on areas of greatest need,” Cathy said.
During the two sessions, Sunday school students of Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Virginia Beach and members of Girl Scout Troop 126 of Virginia Beach helped pack the 200 kits and get them ready for shipment.
Congratulations, Cathy!