(Central Islip, NY-April 2, 2013) Today, County Executive Bellone and Domestic Violence Agencies applauded the donation of over 200 pairs of pajamas from Girl Scout Troops 1236 and 363 of Babylon Village to domestic violence shelters in Suffolk County.
The pajama donations were a community service project of the girl scout troops where they created a marketing campaign to solicit donations of new pajamas for domestic violence victims. The Babylon Memorial Grade School participated in the pajama donation and helped the girl scout troop collect over 200 pair of pajamas.
“The Girl Scouts are a premier agency for young women helping them to build courage, confidence and character,” said County Executive Bellone. “This community service project, under the leadership of troop leaders Heather Tenety and Marylee Hoge, truly provided an opportunity to educate the girl scouts about a relevant issue affecting women, children and families and provided an opportunity for the girl scouts to be of service to others.”
As the girl scout troop was preparing for their community service project the troop leaders took the opportunity to educate their troop on a civic issue, domestic violence and the need for them to be of service to victims of domestic violence. The troop became very excited about their project and worked extremely hard to encourage donations of pajamas.
"On behalf of the Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the clients we serve, I would like to thank the wonderful Girl Scout Troops 1236 and 363 for their hard work collecting so many pairs of pajamas, said Wendy Linsalata Assistant Director Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence Inc. “The donation is greatly appreciated and will be put to good use at our Safe Harbor Shelter. We’d also like to thank the County Executive’s Office for their assistance with this project and for the ongoing support of the issue of domestic violence, the Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the thousands of clients we serve. “
Aileen Fitz, Executive Director of Brighter Tomorrows stated, “On behalf of Brighter Tomorrows I would like to thank Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, his administrative staff and the Babylon Girl Scout Troops 1236 and 363 for this Pajama Drive. It is always encouraging when our community involves itself in the battle to end family violence. Coming to a domestic violence shelter is a dramatic step for families who choose to live free of violence. This kind gesture from the Babylon Girl Scout Troops will go a very long way in the lives of the children at our shelter. For some this will be the first act of kindness from a community of strangers and will stay with them their entire lives. Thank you again for your commitment to building a strong, safe Suffolk County Community.”
“More often than not when the women we serve arrive at our shelter all they have are the clothes on their backs, said Jeffrey Freidman, Executive Director of the Retreat. “This donation today from the girl scouts is a symbol of hope and inspiration. It shows us all the true meaning of community. We are so very grateful for the girl scouts community service.”
Each of the members of the girl scout troops received Certificates of Appreciation from the County Executive for their outstanding service to Suffolk County residents.
(Rev. Roderick A. Pearson-SC Director of Youth and Human Services, Aileen Fitz, Executive Director of Brighter Tomorrows, Jeffrey Friedman-Executive Director of The Retreat, County Executive Steve Bellone, Heather Fenety-Troop Leader 1236, Marylee Hoge-Troop Leader 363, June Ryan-Shelter Director Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence Inc., Wendy Linsalata-Assistant Director-Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence Inc., Grace Ioannidis, SC Women’s Services and members of Babylon Village Girl Scout Troops 1236 and 363)