Spreading Kindness, One Bag at a Time
What began as a small act of kindness has grown into a tradition in Berwick. Around 2006, several local Girl Scout troops launched a project baking cookies and assembling them all onto plates to share at the Table of Plenty during the Christmas meal. The Table of Plenty is a community kitchen serving southern Maine that offers healthy, filling, home-cooked meals provided by volunteers on a weekly basis at no charge to those who, for whatever reason, need help in obtaining food for themselves and their families. Over time, the troops' effort expanded to include providing plates of cookies for the Thanksgiving and Halloween meals, bringing a little extra warmth to multiple holiday gatherings.
As those troops graduated and disbanded, the project faded for a few years. In 2016, it was thoughtfully revived by former troop leaders Kathy Sheedy and Andrea Gould in memory of Evie, a beloved six-year-old from the Berwick community who passed away from meningitis in 2014. Their dedication ensured that the spirit of giving continued.
Like many programs, the project adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting in 2020 from shared platters to individually packaged treat bags- a change that remains in place today, making distribution easier and more accessible.
In 2022, Kathy and Andrea passed the torch to Troop 902, while continuing to offer their guidance and support. Their involvement is a testament to the enduring impact of Girl Scouts, once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout.
Since taking on the project, Troop 902 has embraced it wholeheartedly. Inspired by their first experience, the girls expanded the effort to include Valentine’s Day and Easter. For the past four years, the troop has created festive goodie bags for each of these five holiday meals, each bag thoughtfully decorated and filled with treats for those in need to take with them to enjoy. Each bag also includes a small card in memory of Evie, serving as a heartfelt reminder of the kindness and community spirit that inspired the project.
Through this project, Troop 902 is not only continuing a meaningful tradition but also strengthening their connection to the community, proving that small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact.
