Hampshire, Pingree Grove Girl Scouts grant happy birthdays

That empty shoe box on the shelf of your closet could help a local family in need celebrate a child's birthday.

Girl Scouts from Hampshire and Pingree Grove want to give local children all of the basic ingredients for a birthday party - including cake, candles and gifts - in a "birthday box."

The Brownies, Daisies, Juniors and Cadets will start a door-to-door collection for birthday box items on Sunday, March 7. During the weeklong drive, Girl Scouts will collect empty boxes, birthday cake mix, frosting, candles, children's birthday cards, balloons, wrapping paper, birthday napkins and small toys.

"It is important because we want every child to have a birthday," said Lexi Rath, 8, of Hampshire.

Mari Kaye Rath, Brownie Leader for Troop 875, said the idea was borrowed from sister troops in the Algonquin-Dundee area and coincides with the Girl Scouts' 98th birthday on March 12. The organization is trying to make about 400 boxes to benefit the Burlington-Hampshire Area Food Pantry.

The Rev. Gavin Brandt, of the First United Methodist Church in Hampshire and board president for the food pantry, said the project is an example of the organization's dedication and commitment to serving people.

The food pantry serves about 450 families a month from Hampshire and Burlington.

"The really neat thing is - especially for the kids - it will give them something special and help the parents help the kids celebrate their birthday," Brandt said. "People get food, but nothing really special for the kids. This is something special for the family."

After the collection date, drop boxes will be available at various locations throughout Hampshire: the Hampshire Park District offices, 390 South Ave., the Red Ox Restaurant, 129 E. Oak Knoll Drive, and Citizens Bank, 819 Warner St. The drop boxes will be available March 13 to 17.