-Message from Oscoda Press
OSCODA- Oscoda Area United Way (OAUW) was recognized in Lansing on April 23rd as Friend of Girl Scouts as part of the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan.
The OAUW has contributed a total of almost $17,000 since 2008.
“”In many of our less densely populated communities, this kind of steady support is often less available than in more urban Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan footprint, the United Way has been providing critically needed support for Girl Scout programs, local volunteer training and mentorship, scholarship assistance for girls and adults – and more in the Oscoda Girl Scouts,” said Christine Anderson, Fund Development Team Leader of GSHOM.
Girl Scouts in the Oscoda area have maintained a small but strong presence, providing an average of 150+ community service hours each program year, despite the fact that Girl Scout troop members averages 30-35 each year.
As a Regional Manger in Saginaw and one of GSHOM’s two Product & Program Supervisors Ashley Kolka, said, “It’s been my pleasure to engage with a team of truly committed volunteers in the Oscoda Area. They’ve shown their commitment to getting girls outside through their support in running a popular three-county summer day camp; helped girls build entrepreneurship skills by working with their Girl Scouts to reach out local organizations for cookie booth and nut hut opportunities, and mentored girls to complete community service projects even during COVID (building bird houses and setting them up in local neighborhoods, and cleaning up the Oscoda AuSable Senior Center). There is no doubt that our Oscoda Area Girl Scout volunteers have made a big impact on the lives of girls in their communities.”
One of the greatest supports we’re able to offer these volunteers comes as a result of the OAUW’s unfailing support of Girl Scouting. That support makes it possible for a number of Oscoda Girl Scouts to register to be a Girl Scout each year, and to receive uniforms and program books – items which are cost-prohibitive for their families. Support from the United Way has also given GSHM staff the ability to provide volunteers with local support – things like delivering product program materials that volunteers don’t have to drive to our regional center for, or mentoring and discussion of challenges at meetings held locally.
“As the person who works to submit annual proposals and reports to the OAUW, I am extremally grateful to the organizations’ board of directors, who have long been champions of youth development in their community,” said Christine Anderson.
Girl Scouts is one of our partner agencies and they receive funds from us yearly through the generosity of our donors. If you are interested in more information about our agencies or you would like to designate donations to a particular 501 c3 charity, you can visit their website at Oscodaareaunitedway.com
