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Health & Fitness

Girl Scouts collect personal care items at area Walmarts during Showering the Community

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri visit 30 area Walmarts to promote Showering the Community.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (GSEM) Troops visited Walmart stores on April 13, when they encouraged customers to purchase personal care items and participate in “Showering the Community.” People cannot buy these items with food stamps. Last year, GSEM collected 1,415,702 items, setting a Guinness World Record. It hopes to break that record in 2013.

Standing at the store entrances, troops handed lists shaped like raindrops to customers, asking them to donate items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toilet paper. Showering the Community is part of the April Showers program, which provides an opportunity for girls in grades K-12 to learn to lead, take responsibility, make good decisions and help those in need.

“Personal care items are not a luxury, they are a necessity,” said Donna K. Martin, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. “Having good hygiene and maintaining good health are important for a positive self-image and a sense of well-being.”

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At the Maplewood Walmart, Brownie Troop 995 from University City stationed themselves at two of the store’s three entrances. Brownies are in second and third grades.

“It’s people helping us help other people. That’s why I love doing this,” said Reginé Simmons.

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“It’s fun; we’re getting things to help people,” said Frances Noll.

“It’s been going really well,” said Stacey Schwab, troop leader. “This is our second basket; we filled the first one already.”

Within the first hour, the girls, leaders and volunteers collected almost 300 items. Last year, this location collected 5,500 personal care items.

Girl Scout troops also distributed plastic bags to residential areas on April 12, 13 and 14. Residents are encouraged to buy extra items, put them in the bags and then leave the filled bags hanging from their doorknobs or on their front porches and they will be collected on Saturday, April 20.

Residents who did not receive a bag on their doors can purchase pre-packaged bags from Schnuck’s stores during the week of the event. Those who are unable to participate or who forget to donate during the week of the event may drop off items at any Dierberg’s market from April 20 to May 4 and at any Schnuck’s market until April 24. People may also call 1.800.727.4475, ext. 4601 to arrange pickups.

Launched in 1998, April Showers continues to be a cornerstone for local shelters and families in need of donated items. According to Operation Food Search, April Showers provides 99 percent of all personal care items distributed in the region. GSEM attributes this major accomplishment to the generosity of residents within its community.

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