Girl Scouts adopt ‘Heroes Among Us’

 

 

Girl Scouts adopt ‘Heroes Among Us’

 

Becky Walz
Editor

 

“Do a good turn daily” is the Girl Scout slogan, a reminder of many ways girls can contribute positively to the lives of others.

For Girl Scout Troop 75 near Ridgeway, the girls are working hard to change the life of veteran Paul Reicks of Cresco.

Reicks, a student at Northeast Iowa Community College, was one of eight veterans selected to participate in a seven-day trip to the battlefields of Gettysburg, Penn., and the monuments in Washington, D.C.

Deana Hageman heard about the cause from Diane Kueker at the Country Store in Cresco.

“She said that Anna Stamat from NICC was looking for fundraisers to raise money to send veterans on the trip,” explained Hageman.

Her daughter, Josie, is a Junior Girl Scout and was in need of a project to work on to earn the Bronze Award.

With May Day fast approaching, Hageman suggested they make May baskets for the project.

As Troop 75 began to formulate plans, Reicks was invited to a meeting to share his experiences. The six Junior Girl Scouts decided to adopt him and committed to making enough baskets to pay for his trip, which costs approximately $885. 

The 200 May Day baskets will be sold at NICC’s Calmar and Cresco locations, and throughout Cresco.

“The girls are very excited to know they played a part in making his dream trip come true,” Hageman said.

Traditionally on May 1, children would make baskets filled with goodies, place them on a friends’ and neighbors’ doorsteps, ring the doorbell or knock, then run to avoid being caught. 

Hageman concluded “It seems like a great way to make a difference in another’s life. Buy a May Day basket for someone, and help send a hero on the trip of a lifetime.”

In an effort to raise funds for the final two veterans participating in the September trip, Culver’s of Decorah will be donating 10 percent of its proceeds today (Wednesday, May 1) to the “Heroes Among Us” fund.

Anyone interested in donating money to “Heroes Among Us” can contact Carol Cameron or Anna Stamat at 800-728-2256, ext. 258, or stop by the NICC Office of Disability Services in the Student Center.

 

 

CUTLINE:

Girl Scout Troop 75 has adopted Paul Reicks in an effort to make his dream of traveling to Gettysburg, Penn., and Washington, D.C. a reality in September. Pictured with Reicks are (front, l-r) Josie Hageman, Elizabeth Bradley, Lexi Hoppe, Annabelle Gautreaux, Ellana Eide; (back) Reicks and Mary Turnbull.

 

 

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