GSSC's Humanitarian Efforts Spread Warmth to Ukraine

Commack, NY–The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County (GSSC) Troops 175 and 881 in Melville recently designed more than 15 handmade fleece blankets to help support Ukrainians who have been impacted by the war. The troops worked with ISeeU Blankets, an organization from Queens, NY that works to make blankets for hospitals to distribute to patients who are in the ICU or long-term care. The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County's blankets were shipped to Ukrainian Girl Guides, the international affiliate of Girl Scouts, to comfort girls, volunteers and their families.

"These Scouts’ efforts to make a positive impact for those in need make us incredibly proud," said Tammy Severino, GSSC’s President and CEO. "The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County’s mission is to empower communities while working in any way possible to make the world a better place. These Girl Scouts are the epitome of that mission in action. We thank ISeeU for helping to make our Scouts’ vision a reality, and we thank the troop leaders for guiding our girls through this process.”

The activity was one of several programs the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County has initiated to support the people of Ukraine. Programs include encouraging financial contributions to CARE, the Ukrainian Crisis Fund and Doctors Without Borders. In support of the Girl Guides and the people of Ukraine, the Girl Scouts lifted fundraising restrictions through September 30, 2022. This enables Girl Scouts to raise money in support of Girl Guides and their volunteers and families who are being impacted by the war in Ukraine.

“The Girls really enjoyed doing the project for the children of Ukraine,” said Diane Catalano, Troop Leader. “They also learned some new skills such as cutting fabric and the tying technique used to keep the fabric together.”

Additionally, the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County offers resources from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, available on its website to help Girl Scout families and volunteers speak with girls about mass violence and war.

For information on how girls or troops can show their support for Ukraine, and to learn more about Girl Scouts activities, visit www.gssc.us.