Service is at the heart of the Girl Scout experience — and this fall, Girl Scouts across Gulfcoast Florida have been busy making a difference for furry friends in need! From spreading hay to stocking donation shelves, these girls are showing how courage, confidence, and character can make a real impact in their communities.

Troop 499 Lends a Hand at Suncoast Humane Society

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Troop 499 rolled up their sleeves at the Suncoast Humane Society in Englewood, spending the day spreading hay along the shelter’s trails to help the animals and their visitors. After their hard work, the girls got a special treat — a “Happy Cappy” experience where they met the shelter’s resident capybaras! The girls learned about the care of these gentle animals while enjoying a fun, hands-on encounter that brought their day of service full circle.

Troop 178 Earns Bronze Award with “Pawfect Project”

In Charlotte County, Troop 178 of Englewood earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award, the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout (grades 4–5) can achieve, for their outstanding community service initiative called the “Pawfect Project.”

The troop identified a need at the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County (AWL) and took action — collecting essential supplies such as pet food, cat litter, towels, and detergent to help the shelter care for animals awaiting their forever homes. They also added a creative twist by building a bookshelf for AWL’s “Reading with Cats” program, which encourages literacy by pairing young readers with feline friends in a cozy, confidence-boosting environment.

Girl Scout Donates Girl Scout BarkBoxes to Local Shelter

Meanwhile, Troop 678 in Port Charlotte contributed over 20 containers of dog food to the AWL, making the effort a true team achievement.

A special shout-out goes to Isabella O., who donated over a dozen limited-edition Girl Scout BarkBoxes during the Fall Product Program, Mags & Munchies. “It was the perfect way to help two causes with one purchase, and she was proud,” said troop leader and Isabella’s mom, Chrystal Ortiz. Fun fact: the Ortiz family recently adopted a shelter dog named Brownie, in honor of the Girl Scout level for grades 2–3!

The Mags & Munchies Fall Product Program helps Girl Scouts raise funds for troop service projects, adventures, and experiences while developing leadership skills such as goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. For the second year in a row, Girl Scouts partnered with BarkBox, offering themed boxes with custom dog toys, treats, and liners that can be purchased to support troops or donated to local animal shelters.