Cranford Girl Scouts “Thanksgiving to Go” Bags
Submitted by Kerry Rokicki
Cranford Girl Scouts completed a project to help local senior citizens during the holidays. The project sprung from a desire to build a greater connection with the Cranford senior citizen community and grew into a successful collaboration that provided 135 “Thanksgiving to Go” bags, replete with food, supplies and handmade cards. Junior Troop 40194 began with a goal of creating 50 bags and thanks to the support of other Cranford Girl Scout troops and the community at large, they far exceeded that target.
“Our girls wanted to bridge that gap that sometimes exists between generations and this was their idea to build connection with our senior community,” explained Inga Reibarkh, one of the co-leaders of Troop 40194. “This food drive allowed us to give thanks to our local senior citizens and let them know we are thinking about them, especially at these times when we are all spending so much time separated from friends and family, something that can be extra difficult during the holidays.”
Each donated bag included foods appropriate for a Thanksgiving meal including items such as stuffing, gravy, canned vegetables, baked goods, cornbread mix and more. In addition there were small gifts and handmade cards. The troop partnered with the local non-profit Cranford Family Care to distribute the bags to local senior housing residents. The initiative is part of the troop’s efforts to earn their Bronze Award, a Girl Scout distinction earned through community service.
Ms. Reibarkh explained that the Girl Scout Juniors, who are all fifth graders, were overwhelmed with the support they received from other Cranford Girl Scout troops and members of the community who read about their collection on social media. The bags were dropped off on November 18 so seniors would have them for the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Girl Scouts of Cranford boasts over 1,139 Girl Scout Members in 71 troops and Juliette’s making it one of the largest non-profit organizations in town. The Cranford Service Unit is a part of the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey (GSHNJ) Council which is part of the Girl Scouts of the USA. If your family is interested in learning more about local Girl Scouts or to find out more information on the Girls Scouts of Cranford, please visit cranfordgirlscouts.com.
