September 22, 2023
Girl Scouts never leave a friend behind – especially furry ones! That’s why this year, as part of the Fall Product Program, troops are selling a Mini BarkBox for our canine friends. In addition to the proceeds benefiting local the Girl Scout Community Troops program, buyers can choose to donate their purchase to a shelter dog at Young-Williams Animal Center.
The Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians’ Community Troops program aims to make Girl Scouts accessible for girls who face financial or logistical barriers. Operating in schools and community centers, the program is funded by generous donations and is staff-run and free for participating families, enabling more girls to benefit from the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
The Girl Scout-themed Mini BarkBox includes a Pose and Play Beret dog toy, which doubles as a wearable hat, Berry Trios™ treats and fun instructions on how the pup can earn Puppy Patches. The boxes can be purchased for $25 each, and because the mini BarkBox is a standalone item, the regular BarkBox subscription is not needed. It’s the perfect gift for a shelter dog awaiting a “furever” home.
“Girl Scouts are taught to leave the world a better place than they found it,” said Lynne Fugate, CEO of Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians. “Through our partnership with Young-Williams Animal Center, we’re empowering our girls to make meaningful contributions to their communities, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and the well-being of all, including our four-legged friends.”
Young-Williams Animal Center, non-profit organization, serves the needs of lost, unwanted, abandoned and neglected animals and is the official intake center for the City of Knoxville and Knox County. The center takes in more than 11,000 animals each year and focuses on ending pet homelessness, promoting animal welfare and enhancing the human-animal bond.
“We could not do our important lifesaving work without community partnerships,’” said Janet Testerman, CEO of Young-Williams Animal Center. “This collaboration with the Girl Scouts brings us another step closer to our vision of ‘a home for every pet’ while also enriching the lives of the animals in our care.”
Local Girl Scout troops have a longstanding history of community engagement, including in areas that benefit animal welfare. Their volunteer work and community service hours help support local animal shelters, including Young-Williams Animal Center.
The Girl Scout Mini BarkBoxes may be purchased online for donation to Young-Williams at GirlScoutBarkBox.org. The boxes are available for a limited time from Sept. 22-Oct. 25, during the Girl Scouts Fall Product Program.
The Girl Scouts Fall Product Program is not as expansive as the Girl Scout cookie program, but it gives troops a chance to earn startup money for their Girl Scout year, including funds for uniforms, camp and other fun troop activities. Directed toward family and friends, the program also teaches girls to learn five life skills: goal setting, money management, decision making, business ethics and people skills.
About Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians
Girl Scouts is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, offering programs that give every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of entrepreneurship, adventure and success. The Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians has more than 10,000 girl and adult members in 46 counties from southwest Virginia, through eastern Tennessee, and northern Georgia. Membership is open to all girls from kindergarten through their senior year in high school. Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. For more information, visit girlscoutcsa.org or call 800-474-1912.
About Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians Community Troops
The Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians’ Community Troops program aims to make Girl Scouts accessible for girls who face financial or logistical barriers. Operating in schools and community centers, the program currently includes ten troops at five sites and continues to grow. Partners include YMCA, Boys & Girls Club and local schools, among others. Funded by generous donations, Community Troops are staff-run and free for participating families, enabling more girls to benefit from the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Through the program, participants are empowered to build courage, confidence and character, fulfilling the Girl Scouts’ mission to make the world a better place.
