Girl Scout Hopes to Earn Gold Award with “Stock the Pantry” Food Collection Drive for Havre de Grace Families

From the Havre de Grace Housing Authority:

Local Girl Scout Sydney Biggs has served the community of the Havre de Grace Housing Authority (HDGHA) as a volunteer for the past 13 years and was recently named its Volunteer of the Year. Now, the 17-year old high school senior is asking others for support as she works to attain her Girl Scout Gold Award with a community service project called “Stock the Pantry.” The project is a collection of food and other household items which will be distributed as needed this winter to low income families living in Havre de Grace, Maryland.

The non-profit SUCCESS Project, an affiliate of HDGHA, maintains a pantry of supplies year-round to assist local residents, but according to HDGHA Operations Manager Jackie Shaffstall, the need is typically greatest during the winter. She says, “Some families do not have access to a car, and even if the weather is cooperative, there is not a grocery store within walking distance of the community offering affordable fresh fruit options. In addition, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or ‘food stamps’ do not pay for essential non-food items, so the pantry is a crucial resource for paper and personal products.”

Of her motivation for “Stock the Pantry” Sydney Biggs says, “As a longtime volunteer at HDGHA, I have learned the startling health and financial impacts of living in a food desert. Through this project, I hope to improve the health of hundreds of low-income adults and children while upholding the Girl Scout motto, which includes being prepared and helping people at all times.”

Biggs who is in her 13th year of scouting, is an Ambassador within Girl Scouts of Central Maryland Troop 2607. If successful, this project will qualify her to receive the Girl Scout Gold Award, which is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. The award is presented in recognition of projects and initiatives that solve a community problem not only in the short term, but for years into the future.

Those wishing to support the “Stock the Pantry” project can make a tax-deductible cash donation directly to The SUCCESS Project. All donations will be used to purchase items to stock the pantry.

Supplies for the pantry can be dropped off to the lobby of the HDGHA Administration Building located at 101 Stansbury Court in Havre de Grace during regular business hours. Special pickups may be arranged; call the office for details, 410-939-2097. For a complete list of needed items visit http://hdgha.org.