To celebrate the end of another wonderful year of Girl Scouts, we wanted to take the time to express our thanks to all of the wonderful donors who make a difference in the lives of girls, the community, and our world!
What better way for us to do this than to share the stories we hear every day about the impact Girl Scouting has?
This blog is part of a three-part series where we will be sharing the stories of our donors, our girls, and you! We also hope you will join them in Giving to Girls by sharing your message of support.
“In 1973 I made one of the best decisions of my life, I became a Girl Scout. I wanted my daughters to participate in an organization that would build their character, develop their leadership, and connect them to the community. 42 years later, my dedication and support of Girl Scouts has not waivered. I have given countless hours leading troop meetings, leader trainings, attending council meetings, organizing Jamboree, camping, singing, and helping girls with their badges and awards. I wouldn’t trade ONE single minute I’ve INVESTED because I love the girls that much. They have given me far more than I have given them. After all, that is why “we” do what “we” do….for the girls. Make no mistake, the money we give truly counts. Every dollar donated is an investment in OUR future. The money collected literally changes girls’ lives by providing grants and financial aid for girls to participate in all of the activities involved in Girl Scouting. It bridges the gap between the girls who want to attend and the girls who cannot attend because of the cost. ALL of these activities provide so many opportunities for the girls to develop leadership, community, and have fun in a loving and safe environment. These girls deserve the chance to grow and explore with our help. They will learn countless ways to lead and give back. They develop confidence, loyalty, patriotism, and collaboration. I am so proud that I continue to have the chance to invest. We can change the world one Girl Scout at a time. Won’t you help?”
—Linda Peedin, volunteer and donor
“As an Army Brat, I moved constantly while I was growing up, attending 20 schools along the way. Our moves took my family to Alaska and Korea, as well as around the United States. The one constant for me was Girls Scouts. I started as a Brownie in Northern Virginia and was a Junior in Atlanta. My Cadette years were in Seoul, Korea and then I finished as a Senior in Monroe, North Carolina when my Dad retired from the Army. Serving on the Board of North Carolina Coastal Pines as well as contributing each year to our Council, is my way to say thank you to Girl Scouts for always being there for me.”
—Jean Carter, Girl Scouts—NC Coastal Pines Board Chair and donor
“Through its guiding principles, Girl Scouting serves the entire community. And we need to make it possible for everyone in the community to participate. Because everything is a great deal more expensive than it was when I was first a Girl Scout, the money needed to run our camps and programs has increased. In addition, our Council has been chosen to try out several of the new science and technical programs. Through these, our girls are learning about our amazing world of technology and seeing ways to become a useful member of our technological era, while keeping the fun that only interacting with other humans can give. With our support, Girl Scouts will positively affect the future of the entire community – online, at home, and around the world.”
—Lois “Lofi” Hirshman, Girl Scout alumna, volunteer, and donor
“Girl Scouting gave our daughters so many unique opportunities for adventure, community service and leadership that we hope our support will ensure that more girls in southeastern North Carolina can experience the same. Girl Scouting definitely helps girls grow strong!”
—Pam and Jeff Duncan, donors
“While most of the details of my one-year Brownie experience are vague, I will never forget my pinning ceremony: I was so looking forward to it, I could almost jump out of my skin! I think I was just as excited to join the staff 14 years ago. Although I don’t work with girls on a regular basis as Volunteer Services Support Coordinator, I did get to accompany a membership director on a beach trip with a group of girls from a housing project. Those little girls had never been to the ocean before. It was great to be able to broaden their horizons, and they had the best time! I’m proud to be a part of Girl Scouts – NC Coastal Pines and make a difference in the lives of girls every day. I love working with girls, allowing them to try something they’ve never done before.”
— Betsy Wharton, staff member and donor
Girl Scouts leadership development program for girls mirrors the process of philanthropy –discover one’s own passion and the need of the community, connect with other like-minded folks to plan and prepare, and take action to improve the community. Through philanthropy—giving, volunteering, and charitable engagement—our community is empowered to prosper, progress, and protect our important ideals.
—Martha Webb, donor, former GSNCCP board member, and 2015 winner of Excellence in Philanthropy award for the Triangle chapter of AFP
These stories tell just a few of the many reasons that Giving to Girls can make a difference in your life and in the life of girls across 41 counties in North Carolina—and we want to hear more of them! Send us your story and help girls tell theirs by making a tax-deductible contribution to Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines. You can give online, via mail, in any of our Council Shops, or by phone at 919-600-6315. We can’t wait to hear why you give to Girl Scouts!
Blog - Girl Scouts NC Coastal Pines 
When I was six years old, we moved down the street from my friend (whom I still keep in touch with), Carla. Her mom led a local Brownie Troop for us and I was hooked. I have a very fond memory of being spun around while Else Mae Cleeton helped me recite “Twist me and turn me and show me the elf…” She pinned my Brownie pin upside-down upon my new uniform (which was really a hand-me-down older uniform that one of Mrs. Cleeton’s older daughter had outgrown). She told me that I may turn the pin right-side-up once I had accomplished three good deeds. I’ll never forget the anticipation to go do the best three “good deeds” I could conjure.
Girl Scouting has always been a family affair in my life. Starting my Junior years, my mom, my best friend’s mom and one other rotated each year between being Leader, CoLeader/Treasurer and Troop Cookie Manager for most of my sister’s and my Girl Scouting years. When it was my mom’s year to be the Troop Cookie Manager, I think my dad pretty much ran the show. He was great at keeping things organized and accounted for in our cool and dry California garage.
Girl Scouting taught me to comfortably be an active part of my community, how to put on make-up, how to write a resume and get a job, how to sail a schooner, when to be still, when to sing out, and to love new experiences. Some of my best friends today are the same friends I was a Girl Scout with many years ago (the gold ones), even though we live far apart. Many of the newer friends (the sliver ones) who live close by have come to me through Girl Scouting again. Girl Scouting may not have taught me how to make friends, but it definitely taught me how important it is to keep and treasure them.
The best part of my GS experience so far though, is sharing it with my daughter. I will always treasure the question “I know you’re Collin’s Tiger Den Leader this year, but you’re going to be my Daisy leader next year when I’m old enough, aren’t you Mom?” Who would say “no” to that?! I’ve learned even more as her mom than I did when it was my time. We don’t always get along perfectly, as mothers and daughters sometimes see things differently, but we do at Girl Scouts. It’s our special time together.
Nice post thaanks for sharing