Silver Award: Rolling Racks
Four Girl Scout Cadettes from Troop 396 — Amelia T., Emily S., Lou B., and Everleigh E. — have earned the Girl Scout Silver Award for carrying out a project they titled, “Rolling Racks.” The goal of their project was to provide accessible clothing options to those experiencing homelessness in Norfolk, Virginia. It was a project that grew from troop community service activities to help Winter Shelter, a local homeless shelter. Over the years, the troop has collected and donated hygiene items and food for this shelter, which is supported by the First Presbyterian Church and the Sacred Heart Church, both located in the Ghent section of Norfolk.
“We've seen firsthand how people in our community need support and our project has made a great impact on those in need,” Emily said.
Doing research, they found that the main problem for those experiencing homelessness to get the clothes they need is knowing where to find a shelter that distributes clothes that is accessible to them and within their reach. The solution they created was a mobile clothes rack, or distribution center on wheels. They created two carts for the most-needed winter items and brought them to places where those experiencing homelessness need them most.
To be sure the mobile rack was stocked, they created a binder that showed the most-needed items, inventory levels and organization of the cart so that in the future the carts will be stocked and moved by volunteers who are members of the churches that support Winter Shelter. They also coordinated their efforts with the Urban Renewal Center and the Pretlow Library, along with participating in the library's Waves of Care Community Fair, where coats, hats, and gloves were distributed. They also shared their binder with other troops within their service unit.
“It was rewarding to see the folks that stay at the Winter Shelter receive coats,” Amelia said. “My leadership role was to create connections between the Urban Renewal Center and our troop. It was also nice to meet community leaders and make a difference in the projects they offer to reach people who are homeless.”
Congratulations, Troop 396!
