Missouri Heartland Girl Scouts receive donation for programs, club expenses

The Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland recently received a $10,000 contribution from the Walmart foundation, which will be used for financial assistance and program maintenance.

The Walmart Foundation made the contribution in recognition of the volunteer hours contributed by associates from Walmart and Sam's Club facilities throughout the 68-county jurisdiction.

The grant was awarded as the result of a Walmart Foundation initiative designed to encourage volunteerism during President Barack Obama's "United We Serve" summer of service campaign.

The grant will support Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland's mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place, according to Girl Scout representatives.

Chief Communications Officer for Girls Scouts of the Missouri Heartland, Inc., Brigitte Scott, noted that the funds will be used to provide for the entire jurisdiction of the Missouri Heartland, which includes the Bootheel of Missouri.

At the end of a six-week challenge, Walmart associates had logged nearly 16,000 volunteer hours nationwide, and the company matched those hours with $200,000 in monetary donations to the 10 non-profit organizations that received the highest number of volunteer hours, according to Girl Scout representatives.

"At times like these, volunteerism becomes more critical and we are proud of the Walmart associates who donate their time and talents to deserving organizations across the country," President of the Walmart Foundation, Margaret McKenna said. "Our associates stepped up during the 'United We Serve' campaign, but their service won't end there. In fact, we anticipate that our U.S. associates will log 1.5 million volunteer hours this fiscal year."

In Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland, Walmart associates took on short-term activity leadership roles, led troops, and volunteered at day camps, allowing girls across Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma to have more leadership development opportunities this summer.

"We are proud to one of the organizations to which Walmart associates wanted to donate their time and talents," CEO for Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland, Jennifer M. Orban, said. "Grants such as these allow us to maintain our program properties, supplement the supply costs of our girl programs, recruit and support adult volunteers, and offer financial assistance to families in need."

Scott explained that the funds received from the grant would be used for financial assistance to individuals for certain costs, including the purchase of handbooks, paying of dues, and obtaining of uniforms

She added that the funds would also be used for program property maintenance.

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland serves 20,000 girls in 68 counties, who are developing crucial life skills that help them grow courageous and strong so they can make wise choices in today's world and beyond, according to Girl Scout representatives.

To volunteer for the organization, make a donation, or join Girl Scouts, contact (877)312-4764, or visit online at www.girlscoutsmoheartland.org.