The project was inspired by the girls themselves. Following the Girl Scout tradition of youth-led decision-making, Troop 935 brainstormed several community service ideas before voting to support the YWCA through Adopt a Box. The initiative gave the girls the opportunity to identify a local need, plan the project, and see their efforts directly benefit members of their community.
The troop assembled care packages for women, boys, and girls, filling each box with clothing, hygiene products, socks, and other everyday essentials. They also included toys and other fun items, recognizing that receiving something special can help brighten a difficult time. Before shopping, the girls created detailed lists of supplies to ensure every box contained both necessities and meaningful extras.
Each care package was packed inside decorated Girl Scout cookie boxes that the troop personalized with colorful artwork and positive messages. The handwritten decorations added an extra layer of encouragement for the families receiving the donations.
Funding for the project came from the troop’s successful Girl Scout Cookie Program. After selling nearly 11,000 boxes of cookies, the girls used a portion of their proceeds to purchase everything needed for the Adopt a Box project, allowing every cookie purchase to support both troop activities and community outreach.
The YWCA has already begun distributing many of the boxes to families staying in the shelter and to counseling clients. The supplies help meet immediate needs while also providing birthday gifts and other special items throughout the year for children and families receiving services.
The experience also reinforced the importance of leadership and service for the girls involved. By selecting, organizing, and completing the project themselves, troop members gained firsthand experience in giving back while learning how their efforts can make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Adopt a Box is one of several community service projects completed by Troop 935. The troop has participated in neighborhood cleanups, supported Granny Rose Animal Shelter, donated Girl Scout cookies to teachers, first responders, and healthcare workers, and continues to look for new ways to serve the Sauk Valley community. As a new scouting year begins, the girls will once again choose their next community service project together.
The conversation also highlighted ways residents can support the YWCA of Sauk Valley. Donations of hygiene products, toiletries, laundry detergent, food, and other household essentials are always needed, while financial contributions help cover expenses that grants often cannot, including building maintenance and client-specific needs. The organization also welcomes donations of fresh produce through its community pantry and refrigerator. Looking ahead, Troop 935 hopes to establish a community garden, with plans to donate fresh vegetables to the YWCA pantry and continue expanding its efforts to serve local families.
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