Silver Award Girl Scout Maddie G. of Grand Junction delivered 50 “Foster Love Bags,” which she created for children entering foster care, to Ariel Clinical Services on Wednesday, March 20, 2019. Maddie knows first-hand about the needs children in foster care have because her own family has served as a foster family for three years. When children come to live with foster families through Ariel Clinical services, they come with nothing but the clothes on their backs. This bothered Maddie and she wanted to help. Foster families have to buy everything for these children from toiletries to toys and games. With these bags, children can immediately have their OWN belongings and have their basic needs met. Included in the bags are two books that Maddie selected specifically because they teach children it is OK to be different and that they can be who they are, because they are special. Also included is a toothbrush/toothpaste, comb, journal, playing cards, a blanket, lip balm, and stuffed animal. Maddie contacted local businesses and friends to help gather items for the bags. She hopes they give the children a positive start when they enter foster care.
Through this project, Maddie will earn the Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest honor for Girl Scout Cadettes.