Girl Scouts’ New Years Resolution: Gain 30,000 pounds, lose hunger

     Release Date: 2/20/2006
     Press Contact: Lori Sullivan, 954-739-7660, ext. 219
     
     OAKLAND PARK, FL --- Girl Scouts of Broward County has made a big resolution for 2006 as they host its third annual food drive in honor of Girl Scouts 94th national birthday on Saturday, March 11. Last year, approximately 2,000 local Girl Scouts brought in just over 20,000 pounds of food. This was a huge jump over the 2004 total of 8,000 pounds. The resolution for 2006: bring in 30,000 pounds and make a have a far-reaching impact on the food pantries in our community so more people get the food they desperately need.
     
     In partnership with the Florida Panthers Foundation, Girl Scout troops will conduct food drives at their schools, places of worship and in their neighborhoods during February and March and then bring the donations to the “drop-off celebration” on March 11 at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise between 9 a.m. – 12 noon. Thousands of Girl Scouts from all over Broward County, with their leaders, parents, BankAtlantic Center staff and other volunteers, will collect, weigh and organize the massive amount of donations.
     
     Donations collected at “Feeding Broward Together” food drive will benefit the Coordinating Council of Broward’s Million Meals Committee. The CCB works with a countywide network of food pantries and community outreach programs, including the Jubilee Center, Catholic Charities, Kids in Distress, Crossroad Food Bank and the Cooperative Feeding Program. These groups, and others, depend on donations to stock their shelves. Often full during the “holiday” months of November and December, dwindling food supplies in the Spring and Summer means some simply go hungry.
     
     CEO for the Girl Scouts of Broward County Leslie Roth has seen the Girl Scout spirit in action for the last two years. “I was truly overwhelmed watching our girls walking in with bags, boxes, wagons and minivans full of food. This community service program makes a significant impact on our community and for our neighbors,” she said. “It’s because our girls – living the Girl Scout mission to making this world a better place. Never underestimate the power of girls together!”
     
     With its colossal growth, Feeding Broward Together, is made possible due to the support of the Florida Panther Foundation and the space they provide at the BankAtlantic Center. "We are looking forward to hosting the third annual food drive at the BankAtlantic Center,” said Jean Marshall, Director of Community Development and the Florida Panthers Foundation. "Our entire organization has been very involved with food drives and the Cooperative Feeding Program this season in trying to help with hunger in our community. We are excited to partner with the Girl Scouts on this initiative once again."
     
     As an special incentive for the Girl Scouts who bring a donation to the “drop-off celebration” on March 11, the Florida Panthers Foundation is offering free tickets for the hockey game that same night. Girls will watch the Florida Panthers take on the Carolina Hurricanes at 7:30 p.m.
     
     Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, contact and character who make this world a better place. Girl Scouts of Broward County, Inc. serves more than 9,100 girls and 4,500 adult volunteers. For more information about the “Feeding Broward Together” annual food drive contact Nicole Vaughan at 954-739-7660, ext. 243. To learn more about the Girl Scouts of Broward County, including information about registering your girl, adult volunteering or public support opportunities visit www.browardgirlscouts.org.
     
     ###