MADISON – Girl Scouts in Troop 10341 of Madison decided to brighten the lives of foster children in a practical way with a Take Action Project.

Their work, affectionately named “Duffel Bag Project,” spanned summer months and the beginning of school. The troop contacted Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parent Association to draft plans to help foster children.

The Scouts wrote letters to local businesses, friends, their schools and churches asking for either donations or a site for collection boxes. After creating posters and flyers to advertise the project, the troop collected items for infants to teenagers.

Some girls spent a few Saturdays learning to sew blankets to include in the duffel bags. The troop also joined forces with Troop 10507 of Huntsville to make hand-tied fleece blankets and collect more gifts. The two troops then assembled to pack donations into the duffel bags.

The two troops filled 98 duffel bags with needed supplies for children in foster care. Each bag contained an outfit or pajamas, socks, underclothes, dental hygiene and shower items, hairbrush or comb, girls’ hair accessories, a game and teddy bear. Babies received a blanket, diapers, wipes and pacifiers.

In addition, the Scouts packed necessities for teenage boys and girls. They have stored surplus items for future duffel bags. After packing, each bag was labeled with a handmade tag that said, “Packed with love by GS Troop 341 & 507.”

Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama has 13,000-plus participants, with 9,500 girls and 3,800 adults in 36 counties. Leaders believe girls can change the world.

Founder Juliette Gordon ‘Daisy’ Low organized the first Girl Scout troop on March 12, 1912 in Savannah, Ga. Each year since, Girls Scouts have made her vision a reality, helping girls discover their strengths, passions and talents.

Today, Girl Scouts continue their mission of building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls.

Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama is a United Way partner. To information about volunteering or joining, call 800-734-4541 or visit girlscoutsnca.org.