Girl Scouts salute veterans by making care packages

Christ the King troop donates toiletry items to Veterans Administration Hospital

Published: November 12, 2015

By Aprille Hanson
Associate Editor

Aprille Hanson

Christ the King Girl Scouts in Little Rock fill care packages for veterans on Nov. 2. From left are Hannah Price, 6; Josephina Ellis, 8; Madelyn Marks, 6; Katie Puma, 6; and Hanna Allen, 6.

Aprille Hanson

Christ the King Girl Scouts in Little Rock fill care packages for veterans on Nov. 2. From left are Hannah Price, 6; Josephina Ellis, 8; Madelyn Marks, 6; Katie Puma, 6; and Hanna Allen, 6.

Ask 6-year-old Christ the King Girl Scout Ellen Davis what her father does and it’s matter of fact: “He works in St. Louis and helps our country,” she said and then added, “Oh and he flies airplanes.”

She and her Girl Scout troop #6292 with 22 other girls came together Nov. 2 at the Christ the King Ministries Building in Little Rock to fill care packages for veterans like Davis’ father, but particularly those in need.

The 150 blankets and care packages filled with toiletries like razors, soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste and shampoo were going to be donated to the North Little Rock Veterans Administration Hospital for patients that come into the emergency room or hospital and have to stay longer than expected, said Laura Beth York, the troop’s leader and member of Christ the King Church in Little Rock. The packages may also go to those staying for mental health treatment, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Each bag included a note from the troop saying, “Thank you for your service to our country.”

York, a workers compensation lawyer for Rainwater, Holt and Sexton in Little Rock, said each month the law firm chooses where to donate money collected from the office vending machines and matches the amount. The firm donated $974, which allowed the troop to buy the supplies for the care packages.

“Our veterans have served our country and what better way to say thank you” than by providing comfort during a hospital stay, York said.

It is not the first time the troop has worked with the VA. York said last year, they began allowing people to buy Girl Scout cookies to donate to veterans. “It’s so important that the Girl Scouts learn about our veterans,” York said.