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BRUNSWICK – Girl Scout Troop 74 is helping to support displaced children and teens with a drive to provide Boost Bags, with self-care and comfort items.
The idea for the drive came after the troop recently learned that displaced children in the foster care or similar programs often carry what little belongings they have in a garbage bag.
“We had a really interesting conversation in our troop meeting when discussing our next big project and it really impacted the girls to learn more about local kids who really could use some extra love,” said Bridgette Hodgkins, troop leader. “After they did some research with the Department of Children and Family Services, the girls made a list of most needed items and are asking for donations to fill the bags and flood the department with bags of blessings for these kids going through an unimaginably difficult time.”
The Girl Scouts are seeking self-care items as well as comfort items. Donations will be collected through March 31.
The most needed items include towels and washcloths, feminine hygiene products, toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo for all hair types, soap/bodywash, socks (sized for children and teens). Additional needs are hairbrush/comb, deodorant, underwear (sized for children and teens), reusable water bottles, travel hand sanitizer, flashlights and batteries, wipes, puzzles, art books, books, pencils, pens, coloring and art supplies, ChapStick, tissue packs.
“The girls really blew me away with their thoughtfulness and brainstorming,” Hodgkins said. “They wanted to include flashlights and batteries, because if you’re in a new place that isn’t your home, you may need help finding your way around to use the bathroom at night. They want to help create a stockpile so that bags can also be customized for who they’re being gifted to.”
Those who would like to donate items may drop them off at:
Pilgrim House, 9 Cleveland St., 9 a.m.-noon, Sunday-Friday
Wilbur’s of Maine, 143 Maine St., Brunswick, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday
Mail It 4U, 10 State Road 9, Bath, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
There is also an Amazon Gift List for those that would like to donate items but can’t get to one of the locations. Find it at name: GSME Troop 74, List: Boost Bags. amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2SJVXFZUEB6UL.
