Durham Girl Scouts Make Pledge to Help Pets

As Girl Scouts mark the organization's 99th anniversary this week, the girls of Troop 62836 of Durham are helping local animals in a multifaceted service project. The troop is collecting animal supplies for two months, which will eventually be donated to the town to help animals in need.

“All the girls are at an age now that when we were talking about the project they said,‘We have to save the animals! We have to save the pets!’,” said troop leader Lynn Stanwood.

On Monday, March 7 the girls visited the in Middletown to tour the newly renovated facilities, including an operating area and an animal dental area, as well as to learn more about taking care of animals.

The girls visited some of the animals recovering at the veterinary hospital said Stanwood, including a collie that had been hit by a car. Two of its legs were in casts. It’s animals in need in the community that the girls are aiming to help, Stanwood said.

For the past three weeks, Troop 62836 has been collecting supplies at Brenda’s Main Street Feed. According to Stanwood, there is also a discount at the store being offered to those who donate to the cause. Signs made by the girls are currently hanging in the store and the collection will continue for about another month.

“People have been really enthusiastic and generous,” Stanwood said. “When I made a pick up [on March 7], there was so much stuff that it filled up the back of my van.”

Troop 62836 is also putting together a roller skating fundraiser to help gather more donated supplies. The event will take place at the . There will be a $7 entry fee and free skate rental with every donation of pet supplies.

The project, Stanwood said, will help the girls work towards their bronze badge, which as junior level girl scouts they must put in 15 hours of planning and service to a community based service project. According to the Girl Scout website, it is the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can earn.