St. Theresa School Girl Scouts Raise Money for Several Causes
St. Theresa's 7th Grade Girl Scouts were inspired to help a school in need. Ms. Suchyta, a former STS teacher, who is working for Teach for America at Conway Middle School in North Carolina inspired the girls to continue to reach out to this school in need. Teach for America recruits teachers to work in low income areas across the country. Conway is a Title 1 school with 99% of students on free and reduced lunch and 86% are below grade level and they have no textbooks, school supplies or funding. With the help of the school administration and the entire St. Theresa School community, the girls were able to raise over $700 to purchase a much needed projector and other equipment. This equipment will help provide these students with access to learning. The Girl Scouts will continue their efforts by selling fall products of candy, nuts, and magazine subscriptions in the upcoming weeks with the proceeds being given to this service project.
The 7th grade troop has a history of giving back. Last year, the girls purchased a cow for the Cows against Malaria project. This wonderful program through MPA provides a cow to a family in Uganda. Through the cow's milk, they are able to provide money for food, education and anti-malaria medicine for the whole village. The project is sustainable with the calves being given to other families.
The previous year the girls service project supported Kay's Animal Shelter in Arlington Heights. The girls collected dog/cat items and also raised $700 in funds to donate for the care of these animals in finding their forever homes.
Another service project the girls worked on was purchasing and providing crisis bears to the Palatine Police Department. These bears are used when the police encounter a child who may need comforting in a frightening situation. The bears supplied were blessed by Father Matt Jammeson, and each had a special note attached created by the girls. The girls continued their efforts of giving by shopping and providing a Thanksgiving basket for a family in need. Besides their annual service projects, the girls worked at the PADS shelter in Palatine. In January and February of last year, they did Sunday set-up and provided place-mats for the individuals who utilize the PADS shelter.
"St. Theresa School instills the value of service to others. These 13 girls have been together since kindergarten, and will continue on their mission to help others through 8th grade and beyond! We are so proud of this troop for giving back to those who are less fortunate," said Michelle Wargo, Troop Leader.
St. Theresa School has been educating children in the Palatine area for over 63 years. To learn more about the school, academics, and co-curricular programs, including the Girl Scouts, visit their website, sttheresaschool.com or call (847) 359-1820.