The Girl Scouts of America is an incredible national organization, consisting of hundreds of female troops that focus on community service.  Girl Scout troops intend to implement the idea of helping others in young girls, shaping them to be considerate young women.  Girl Scout Troop #3996 of Leawood Elementary found a way to give back to the community that both interested and excited them.  Led by Jennifer Magri, the troop participated in Dolls for Daughters®’ annual toy giveaway.  The girls were incredibly inspired, and one of them continues to work with the Dolls for Daughters® community today.

1. How did you first learn about Dolls for Daughters®?

We learned about Dolls for Daughters® from our troop leader, who was looking for an opportunity for us to help other children during the holidays.  As it turned out, a mother of one of our girls also knew about Dolls for Daughters®.

2. Some people are drawn to Dolls for Daughers because of their own personal experience, or the experience of someone close to them, similar to Jessica’s.  Why did you decide to volunteer for Dolls for Daughters®?

We wanted to help kids who do not usually get toys for Christmas.  Rather than simply donating toys, we felt the urge to do more and work with the actual families and children.

3. What has touched you most about the work Dolls for Daughters® is doing?

It is incredibly powerful to see someone cry because they are so overcome with joy, especially when it is because of something that you did.  We enjoyed helping parents find the right toys for their kids and seeing the smiles on their faces.  Some of us thought of our own families who have had difficult times, and what others must go through ever holiday season.  We thought about the blessings in our lives and felt incredibly thankful.

4. How long have you been a volunteer with Dolls for Duaghters?  What is/are the biggest reasons for staying involved?

This was our first time helping Dolls for Daughters®!

5. What is your most memorable experience volunteering with Dolls for Daughters®? 

At the toy giveaway, one family at the very end thought they were too late, and that all of the toys were gone.  The mother of the family was so happy that there was enough left, she began to cry.  We cannot believe the amount of toys and the number of families that lined up, even in the freezing cold, to get things for their children.  We loved working with the families and helping them find toys. 

6. Have you participated in any of the Dolls for Daughters® fundraising events?  If so, which one(s)?

Our troop did a school toy drive to help the Christmas event.  One girl in the troop, Maddie, attended the Bowl-a-thon recently and said that it was extremely fun!

7. Have you shared your volunteer experience with your friends and family?  What was their reaction?

Yes, our families thought it was “so beautiful.”  Another friend said, “I cannot believe there are so many people in need,” and thought the organization itself was amazing.  The parents of the girls were incredibly proud, especially with the work we did to research the organization and collect toys.

8. Have any of your friends or family become Dolls for Daughters® volunteers because of it?

One of our troop members and her family has gotten more involved since our experience began in December.  They are very committed to the cause and helping others.

9. With so many organizations in need of volunteers for so many different purposes, what suggestions or advice do you have for people who consider volunteering?  In particular, how should they choose the organization and how should they decide in what areas of the organization and how much they will help?

We encourage others to consider the fact that Dolls for Daughters® helps not just hundreds of people, but thousands.  The event was so well attended, and volunteers get to work directly with the people that need help.  We liked that Dolls for Daughters® helped with many needs, and not just toys.