Girls Scouts of Suffolk County (GSSC) Troop 946 completed three silver award projects within one community refurbishing effort helping residents of Suffolk while also learning valuable lessons themselves. Troop 946 is a Senior Level troop of ninth graders in the East Islip division. The Girl Scouts worked on renovating a section of a Woman and Children’s Shelter for Domestic Violence in Suffolk County, building a library and playroom for residents’ enjoyment.
“While the girls were brainstorming project ideas [for their Silver Award project] one of the scouts was passionate about working with domestic violence victims,” said Girl Scout troop leaders Christine Cappellino and Janice Galli. “Some others wanted to work with children. When we called up the organization to inquire about projects, they mentioned both the playroom area and the upstairs area that needed to be updated for the residents in the shelter. We decided this project would cover most of the girls’ ideas because it would include a way to help both children and adults affected by domestic violence.”
The Girl Scouts raised funds to clean, furnish, and paint the library and playroom. According to Nicole Amorim, the local community came out in support to provide books, toys, and monetary donations to purchase furnishings.
The month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, making the project’s fruition and completion a timely celebration.
This project was meant to show the Girl Scouts that there are resources and organizations in their community that will help if they are ever in need of such things.
“We also wanted them to learn empathy for others in difficult situations,” says Troop Leader Galli. “We loved that the girls were able to see the families in the shelter while we worked there because it brought reality to what they had learned about domestic violence and educated them on how serious a need we have in our area for these types of shelters. All of our visits there for planning and the renovation taught them that unfortunately, this shelter is always at capacity and provides a safe space for the residents. They were able to see that the families and children who reside there are regular people who just need help during a difficult time in their lives.”
“I was able to see these two siblings’ faces as I carried the [play] kitchen into the house,” says Cora Cappellino, a girl scout of Troop 946. “They told me how happy they were, and they played with the kitchen for so long without toys in it, for hours. It made me feel very proud.”
Girl Scouts tend to be known for their beloved Girl Scout cookie sales; however, many people do not understand how important those sales are to the hundreds of other projects the scouts do.
“Unfortunately, Girl Scouts is synonymous with cookies and not many see that with the purchase of cookies, they are helping to fund local troop activities,” says Amorim. For this particular project, almost half of the money raised from cookie sales was used for paint, furniture, building materials, and décor.
“We also secured donations of additional paint and supplies from three local Home Depot stores and one very generous manager from Five Below, who donated her own personal funds,” says Troop Leader Cappellino. “One local company donated their time as well by scrubbing the floors. Several individuals in the community made generous monetary donations, stating that they had been in a situation where they could have used an organization like this at the time.”
The Girl Scouts also held a collection drive within the East Islip elementary and middle schools where they collected books, toys, and crafts throughout last year’s school year for the project.
“We also received help from our local Ancient Order of Hibernians—Division 7—who generously donated a 65” television and two bean bag chairs for the projects. We were able to leave two large containers of additional supplies at the shelter that they can use to replenish items in the future,” said the leaders. Troop Leaders Cappellino and Galli say that the organization is always accepting donations however the items needed vary throughout the year.
“The girls are very proud of their work on these three Silver Award Projects. They worked so hard to complete their hours and made the shelter a better place for both the adults and children who reside there.”
This project involved three silver award projects in one. Troop leaders explain there were three groups of three girls each and they all had a different focus. “One group was in charge of the books and reading areas, one group was in charge of sensory/calming areas and crafts for the rooms and one group focused on toys for various ages. We were fortunate that the girls were able to work in the same space for all three projects and support each other’s groups.” While working on their separate focus, the Girl Scouts worked together to create a wonderful space for residents.
“When we finished renovating the shelter, I felt so amazing seeing all of the little kids playing with the toys we got for them and seeing how their faces lit up when they saw the new room,” says Girl Scout Sarah Buonincontri. “Not only the children but the mothers were excited too. I hope the library room we made will be a quiet place where everyone can relax, be comfortable and feel safe.” Buonincontri felt the excitement and relief from residents as they utilized the new rooms.
Girl Scout Anna Holm says, “It’s nice to know that not only did we make the children happy, we made the parents happy too by providing safe and comfortable spaces for their children to play in while they navigate some challenging times.”
“These people are survivors,” says Girl Scout Cappellino. “They had to go through horrible things. Now that they have been able to get away from it all, they can relax and try to heal from what’s happened. Not just that, but they are able to play, relax, and read, watch movies as well, and make happy memories while they are here.”
Girl Scout Troop 946 made a significant difference in current residents, and future residents’ lives through this project, while also learning lessons about their community, empathy, and hard work for others. Their Silver Award was well earned, and The Messenger is proud of these young women and thank them for their service to our Suffolk County community.
