Books, Bears and Blankets
By XXXXXX
As part of my "Gold Award" project, I am collecting donations for a community service project known as "Books, Bears, and Blankets." The purpose of this project is to provide a book, blanket, as well as a stuffed bear, to children who are displaced by the Katrina hurricane, abused children in shelters, children who are seriously ill in the Ronald McDonald House of Charities and all members ages 6-10 at the Eastside Boys and Girls Club. The project will provide a lasting effect on the children; the "book" represents "transition," a pathway to healthier and bright future, the "bear" represents "hugs and love," that we care for those in need and the "blanket" represents "security" letting the children know that everything will be all right.
The items donated will be placed in a decorative bad and delivered to agencies and worthwhile causes beginning on March 21-April14. (the anniversary of Cherice Cochrane's death, a Girl Scout Gold Award Achiever, who died from meningitis at Tulane University.) Cherice was a memeber and life-long volunteer of the Eastside Boys and Girls Club. She was the epitome of excellence and a "shinning star" for all Girl Scouts and Club members to emulate. The following agencies will benefit:
* San Antonio Children's Shelter * Battered Women's Shelter
* Ronald McDonlad Houses (temporary lodging for seriously ill children)
* SAPD Domestic Violence Department * Cameron Elementary School (diplaced Katrina students)
* Eastside Boys and Girls Club (ages 6-10)
My goal is to collect 2,000 books, bears and blankets. In preparation for delivery, the following items and help are desperately needed:
* New "Throw blankets (for babies through 10 years old)
* Blanket fleece, thread and blanket bindings * People to sew blankets
* A variety of books (for babies through 10 years old)
* A variety of stuffed bears (12 inches and under) * Plain white medium size gift bags
* Craft items for bag decoration (markers, ribbons) * Volunteers to assemble "Care Bags"
If you do not have any of these skills or donateed items, I will gladly accept cash for these purchases. Checks can be made to Girl Scout Troop 375, in care of Jasmine Hamilton. Your gifts and donations will help to maintain and beautify Cherice Memorial Garden. We will present a Park Bench in the Troop's name on Tuesday and add a Birdbath, Christmas tree, plants, garden rocks and a garden angel later. The Cherice Cochrane Mentoring Foundation has also agreed to carry on our project on an annual basis after our completion date of April 14th.
Thank you for your intended support! All cash and in-kind donations are tax deductible. If you would like to help, or need more information, I can be reached at, XXX-XXXX or at my troop's address, XXXX Estrid Trail, San Antonio, Texas XXXXX.
With Much Appreciation.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx cc: Claudette Cochrane Lewis
Gold Award Project Coordinator Leader, Troop 375