The offer was this: nominate one at-risk girl to receive a free American Girl Doll and attend a fashion show at a council mall.
So this is what Janet Choplick, an outreach manager for Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, wrote of a very special troop she coordinates at a domestic violence shelter:
“Despite what they have faced in their young lives they have a passion and spirit that simply can’t be extinguished. These girls greet us with big smiles and warm hugs, with cries of ‘The Girl Scouts are here!’ They are always excited to attend Girl Scouts. They seem to take nothing for granted as they always thank us for coming. They actually cried when they found out they were considered ‘real’ Girl Scouts and could continue in a traditional troop once they no longer need to be in hiding.
“I can think of no more deserving girls. I am sure which ever one you choose will be excited to go.”
The response? Amazing.
American Girl and the Iowa Children’s Museum provided tickets for all seven girls and three adult chaperones. Each girl received an American Girl Doll, plus clothes to match.
“I am sure this is an event that will forever be remembered by these girls,” Choplick said. “We are all so very thankful.”
