Serving Lunch to the Homeless in Auburn
February 17, 2024
For troops located in more populated areas of the state, homelessness is a local struggle that hits near and dear. For Troop 5043 based in the Lewiston-Auburn area, that means more opportunities to lend a helping hand to their community through volunteering with one of several local resource centers.
“The un-housed in our area has been an obvious issue that needed to be addressed. The kids have been helping with service projects and donations from cookie sales for years,” says Troop Leader Jamie Ribisi-Braley.
According to Jamie, helping the homeless is always the first issue that her troop chooses to focus their efforts and energy on. This year, the troop wanted to help in a more interactive way.
Amidst the cold temperatures of mid-February, four Girl Scouts, four adults, and a sibling decided to volunteer at the Pleasant St. Drop-In Center in Auburn. Pleasant Street has a “free” store complete with necessary items such as toiletries, clothing, backpacks, and tents, and it’s the only facility in the area that offers showers.
“The model of service that this center provides is a shining example of how we can make a huge difference by working together to help our neighbors,” says Jamie.
During their visit, the Girl Scouts helped by preparing snacks and serving warm, nutritious lunches to those in need.
“I loved all the nice people there. Handing out the food gave me a really happy feeling,” says Junior Girl Scout Bella.
In true full-circle Girl Scout fashion, one of the guests was so moved by the troop’s act of kindness, she even recited the Girl Scout Promise, recounting her days as a former Girl Scout herself!
“The act of service is typically a humbling experience and I know that this service really opened all of our eyes to just how widespread homelessness is within our two cities,” says Jamie.
For the Girl Scouts of Troop 5043, the experience offered them a new lens on the towns they call home, as well as a reignited inspiration to help others.
“I learned that there are more people who need help than I realized,” says Bella.
