Girl Scouts who earn the Gold Award tackle issues that are dear to them. The award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting and can lead to preferred admission tracks for college and scholarships. The Gold Award is awarded to fewer than 6% of Girl Scouts annually and each Girl Scout spends 1-2 years on her project.
When Girl Scout Ambassador, Jessica Chan began to think about the project that will eventually earn her the highly coveted Gold Award she looked inward at the things that bring her joy and satisfaction. An avid reader, Jessica felt that books were the key to help her bring change to her community and make lives better. After researching different groups she realized that many of MOWDR's home bound clients probably didn't have access to libraries. She decided that she would partner with MOWDR's meal delivery division to bring isolated seniors the gift of reading.
Jessica's Book Cart for Seniors project will collect books through individual donations and book drives. After talking to her school's librarian about the types of books seniors might enjoy she found out that history, fiction and autobiographies were categories that would please most. She also hopes to include some specialized categories for hobbyists.
Using a survey she developed, MOWDR's volunteer delivery drivers will help indentify which clients are interested in borrowing books. Once the project is launched in early spring they will deliver the books along with the daily meal delivery. Borrowers don't need to worry about time limits or even returning the books. "If they really enjoy the book and want to pass it on to someone they know, that's great,"she explains.
And Jessica has found more than a few willing participants for her project. "People are really enthusiastic about the idea and want to help build the book inventory. I already have 300 books"!
MOWDR wishes Jessica the best of luck and we're looking forward to partnering with her on this exciting project. Using the mind on a regular basis to do things like reading can actually help frail or “failing” older adults gain ground and health. Thanks to a special Girl Scout Ambassador with golden goals some isolated seniors will soon benefit from the power of books.
Jessica's Book Cart for Seniors project is projected to start in early spring, 2020. Please check back for information on donation drop off sites and future book drives.
