CHARLESTON — The Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council donated nearly 2,000 packages of nuts and candy to local veteran organizations as part of the Care to Share program.
The Girl Scouts of Black Diamond partners with the West Virginia Gold Star Mothers Association, a service organization of women who have lost sons and daughters in the military, and the West Virginia National Guard Foundation to distribute candy and nuts to the military as part of the Fall Product Program. These organizations distribute the treats to VA hospitals, nursing homes, disabled and paralyzed veterans and more.
The Black Diamond Council includes all of West Virginia. Monongalia County is in Region 3, which also includes Marion, Preston and Tucker counties in West Virginia and Garrett County, Md.
“Girl Scouts are passionate about giving back to their communities. The Fall Product Program helps teach Girl Scouts key entrepreneurial skills, and the donation portion of that helps show how important it is to give back” said Beth Casey, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council. “We are proud to partner with these organizations and work together to help make the world a better place.”
The West Virginia Gold Star Mothers Association traveled to The Girl Scout Black Diamond Council in Charleston to pick up and load the donations for delivery Monday. There were 143 cases — approximately 1,700 products — donated via Care to Share.
The Girl Scouts sell cookies in the spring, and nuts and candy in the fall. As part of these sales programs, customers have an opportunity to purchase products for themselves, as well as contribute a donation to the Care to Share program, which uses the donations to purchase products to send to military members.
“This program is a great way to connect Girl Scouts and veterans,” said Shirley White, past-president and current first vice president of the West Virginia Gold Star Mothers. “The Girl Scouts work hard to sell candy and nuts, and they are able to see how that helps benefit our service personnel. And, of course, our veterans are happy for that relationship — as well as the treats.”
Through the Care to Share program, Girl Scouts across the country have used Girl Scout products to show their appreciation for men and women in uniform or to support those in need in their local communities. Girls choose an organization they want to benefit and give customers the opportunity to purchase additional products as a donation. With this program, even customers who don’t purchase nuts and candy for themselves can give to others and support Girl Scouting at the same time.
