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Girl Scouts collect truckload of relief

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizen.com

A drive Saturday for items to help victims in Hurricane-ravaged Mississippi was tremendously successful.

Operated by Girl Scout Troop 511, with helpers from 12 other troops, items were collected in the Hobby Lobby/Krystal parking lot in Fayetteville. A tractor trailer bound for Brandon, Miss. was loaded to the brim, leaving an extra 10 carloads that were distributed between several local churches which were also collecting items for victims.

The drive featured an outpouring of love from some of Fayette’s youngest, many of whom provided their own stuffed animals and toys to help cheer the lives of kids their own age, many of whom have seen their belongings lost or destroyed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Two families who had escaped Louisiana came by and stocked up on some necessary items, and a representative of Brooks Baptist Church took a dresser, stroller, high chair and clothing for a family that the church was sponsoring.

In addition to clothing, local residents donated baby items such as diapers and wipes along with food.

Troop 511 leader Amy Emerich noted that one little girl had written special notes to the victims, and two other girls who donated pennies and change they found around the house also gave away their stuffed animals.

More than $400 in cash was also collected during the drive in addition to gift cards for Shell gasoline and Wal-Mart.

Emerich said she was amazed by the love and support offered by the community.