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LAPLACE — Many Girl Scouts in Junior Troop 20104 and Cadette/Senior Troop 20179 are coping with damaged or destroyed homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, but they still felt a strong desire to help their St. Charles Parish community heal from the storm.

The girls made a decision to come together and use funds from cookie sales to purchase cleaning items, toiletries and other essential supplies for residents in need in their community.

The sister troops set up a table in the parking lot of Sacred Heart in Norco last Sunday. As people drove up, the Girl Scouts asked what supplies they needed.

It was the first time the girls had gotten together since the hurricane, and they were happy to be reunited as they volunteered their time to help others. Approximately 30 to 40 residents received supplies thanks to the charitable effort.

The following girls participated in the supply giveaway: Ella Comeaux, Jordan Robin, Spencer Robin, Eva Braud, Jenna Carmouche, Britten Rodriguez, Breelyn Oster, Kinsley Housewright, Gracie Piper, Evelyn Carter, Leah Carter, Savanna Burnham, Kahlan Rodriguez, Hazel Roberts, Phoebe Bolden, Shelby Bordelon, Madison Brannon, Addison Revere and Brooklyn Robin. Participating troop leaders were Andre Carter, Hollie Pfister, Stephanie Chiasson and ‘Paco’ Rodriguez.

Troop leader Hollie Pfister said the Girl Scouts enjoy community service, and the Hurricane Ida storm relief project was a valuable learning experience for both troops.

“It definitely taught them about helping out and being a part of the community. Girl Scouts is about having fun, but it’s also about helping your neighbor. I think this kind of humbled them and showed them how much people appreciate what they do,” Pfister said.

She added, “I think it was fulfilling for them because it made them feel like they’re making an impact in an area that is, right now, in pretty bad shape. They were able to make a difference.”

This isn’t the first time St. Charles Parish troops have used Girl Scouts as a platform for good work in the community.

Last year, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, girls in the older troop earned a Silver Award for working with Sunvilla to make bat houses. This not only helped to combat the mosquito population, but also gave the bats a home when there appeared to be an influx in the St. Charles Parish area.

The girls have held food drives for Sacred Heart Church, and some of the Girl Scouts have recently donated their time to the United Methodist Church’s Matthew 25:35 food ministry to assist residents in getting food and supplies after Hurricane Ida.

The girls previously held a teddy bear drive, collecting gently used stuffed animals for firefighters to give to children who have lost a home. A book/blanket drive was also held locally to help a fellow Girl Scouts troop in Indiana that experienced devastating flooding.

According to Pfister, anyone who has suggestions for community service projects can contact Girl Scouts Louisiana East at 1-800-644-7571.