Girl Scout fights beach pollution on Manatee County beach, earns Gold Award

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida
Girl Scout Gold Award recipient Zoe Lander stands beside the beach toy borrow bin she constructed to reduce beach pollution.
Girl Scout Gold Award recipient Zoe Lander stands beside the beach toy borrow bin she constructed to reduce beach pollution. The bin is located at Holmes Beach 68th Street Beach Access. (Aug. 5, 2025, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida).

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve. This prestigious award is earned through the creation and completion of a sustainable, measurable Take Action project that addresses an issue the Girl Scout is passionate about. Each project requires a minimum of 80 hours of work, typically completed over the course of three months to a year. To earn the award, the Girl Scout identifies a community issue, conducts research, develops and implements a solution, and measures the project’s impact. Finally, she shares her project with the broader community to educate and inspire others to take action.

Girl Scout Zoe Lander of Manatee County identified beach pollution as a pressing issue in her community and set out to make a difference.

“For my Gold Award I created a Beach Toy Borrow Bin, where anyone can leave or take toys. The bin is located on Holmes Beach at 68th street beach access. The main idea for this was so that travelers wouldn’t leave plastics on the beach when they can’t fly home with toys as well as allowing for toys to be played with again rather than thrown away.”

The beach toy borrow bin at Holmes Beach, constructed by Girl Scout Gold Awardee Zoe Lander for her project to reduce beach pollution and save sea turtles.
Girl Scout Ambassador Zoe Lander worked with the City of Holmes Beach to place a beach toy borrow bin at the 68th Street Beach Access, which she constructed by hand, to help fight beach pollution (Aug. 5, 2025, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida).

“This not only reduces pollution, but it prevents sea turtles from getting stuck when going to the water after hatching, or any animals from eating plastics.”

According to the Sea Turtle Preservation Society, beach toys can block nesting turtles, hinder hatchlings from reaching the ocean, become entangled or ingested by sea turtles, leading to injury or death.

According to the Environment Florida Research & Policy Center, 58% of Florida beaches tested last year had at least one day when bacteria levels exceeded the EPA’s safe swimming standard. Florida’s most contaminated beach was in Manatee County.

One possible contributor to bacterial contamination on beaches is plastic toys. Studies have shown that these toys can actually become breeding grounds for bacteria when left behind in the sand or water. Not only can that pose a risk to people enjoying the beach — it can also affect marine life like sea turtles.

“In order to create my bin, I had many people help me research locations, materials, and building plans. This research was very essential to finding locations that are heavily used so the bin could be successful. Researching also led me to use wood and flex seal paint to create the box, allowing it to be weatherproof.”

Zoe’s Beach Toy Borrow Bin is a shining example of how one Girl Scout’s vision and dedication can lead to meaningful environmental change. By addressing a local issue with global implications, Zoe not only helped reduce plastic waste and protect vulnerable sea turtle populations, but also educated her community about sustainable practices. Her Gold Award project demonstrates the power of youth-led solutions and serves as an inspiration for others to take small, impactful steps toward a cleaner, safer planet—for beachgoers, marine life, and future generations alike.

For her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Zoe Lander constructed the bins by hand in order to reduce beach pollution and save sea turtles.
For her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Zoe Lander constructed a beach toy borrow bin by hand in order to reduce beach pollution and save sea turtles (Aug. 5, 2025, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida).

Girl Scouts Partner with Shy Wolf Sanctuary to Champion Animal Advocacy for Bronze Award Project

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida
Girls Scouts Mary, Juliana, Lizzy and Alisa from Troop 328 earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award by advocating for animal welfare and creating a garden space at Shy Wolf Sanctuary.
Girls Scouts Mary, Juliana, Lizzy and Alisa from Troop 328 earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award by advocating for animal welfare and creating a garden space at Shy Wolf Sanctuary.

A group of young Girl Scouts in Naples is taking a stand for misunderstood wildlife—and earning one of the organization’s highest honors in the process.

Girl Scout Juniors from Troop 328, who call themselves the “Wolf Pack,” are working toward their Bronze Award by partnering with Shy Wolf Sanctuary, a local nonprofit that rescues and rehabilitates wolves, wolfdogs, and other exotic animals. The Bronze Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Junior (grades 4–5) can earn, and it requires a minimum of 20 hours spent planning and executing a project that addresses a root cause of a community issue.

For their project, the girls are focused on dispelling common myths about wolves and raising awareness about the challenges they face due to habitat loss, pet abandonment, and illegal breeding. Their efforts included creating a community education display board titled “Wolves are Vital, Not Villains,” which is currently on view at the Naples Regional Library on Central Avenue. The display is expected to rotate through additional Collier County library branches in the coming months.

“I learned that wild animals need our help,” said sixth-grader Juliana G. “I also discovered the underlying reasons behind these issues, like the illegal wildlife trade.”

“My favorite part was when we made mosaic stepping stones. I learned cement skills! That’s so cool,” Lizzy said. “I learned how to collaborate better with others, and I learned how to use Google apps to stay organized.”

“This project means a lot to me,” said Alisa J. “I loved seeing the animals at Shy Wolf and I really hope that our Bronze Award Project can help them.” She also added that she learned a lot about teamwork and how to collaborate with others, and is excited to lead more projects in the future.

Mary said her favorite part was painting the flower boxes and planting the seeds. “I learned how to take notes at our meetings, as the secretary.”

In addition to the awareness campaign, the troop is volunteering on-site at Shy Wolf Sanctuary. They organized a stuffed animal drive to provide comfort items to the animals. Additionally, they are improving a garden area, designing mosaic stepping stones, and planting flowers.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is designed to help girls develop leadership skills, explore community issues, and create sustainable solutions. More than a service project, it asks girls to identify root causes of a problem, build a team, connect with community partners, and make a lasting impact. Earning the Bronze Award empowers girls to see themselves as capable leaders and changemakers—even at a young age.

Girl Scout Juniors Alisa, Juliana, Lizzy, and Mary—will cap off their efforts with an educational session for the wider Girl Scout community later this summer, further expanding the project’s reach and sustainability.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.: Girl Scouts create the world they want to live in and strive to make it better every single day. They explore their strengths, take on new challenges, and can always be themselves, regardless of background or ability. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida council has a membership of over 3,800 girls in grades K-12, and more than 1,500 adult members. GSGCF is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA and serves girls in ten counties including: Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier. The council is governed by a volunteer board of directors who represent the geographic, ethnic, and social demographics of the council’s jurisdiction. For more information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida visit www.gsgcf.org. 

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Introduces Exclusive Get Ready with Girl Scouts™ Program to Help Pre-K and Kindergarten Girls Prepare for the School Year Ahead

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies learn about civics and voting. (Girl Scouts of the USA)

[Sarasota, FL]—Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is preparing incoming Daisies (rising kindergarteners and first graders in fall 2025) for the upcoming school year with the new, exclusive Get Ready with Girl Scouts™ program. The Get Ready with Girl Scouts™ program, open now until June 30, will help current pre-K and kindergarten girls who are new to Girl Scouting kick off their summer with fun and adventures while gaining new friendships. Girls will grow their confidence, use their imagination and build skills they can take into the next school year. Through this special program, girls will receive three skill-building activity books, shipped directly to them from June through August 2025, unlocking a world of possibilities.

These school-readiness activity books, available in English and Spanish, will help prepare girls for kindergarten and first grade through fun, character-building Girl Scout activities. The Get Ready with Girl Scouts™ program emphasizes important skills such as motor skills, communication, critical thinking, emotional regulation and more through imaginative play, puzzles and teamwork activities.

“At Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, we believe confidence starts early—and that strong partnerships with local schools are key to the success of our Movement” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of GSGCF. “The Get Ready with Girl Scouts™ program offers a joyful, hands-on introduction to learning that helps our youngest girls feel prepared for school and excited for what’s ahead. It lays the foundation for a lifelong love of discovery, friendship, and courage that continues throughout their Girl Scout journey.”

By signing up for the Get Ready with Girl Scouts™ program, girls will receive a Girl Scout membership through September 30, 2026; 18 months of membership for what you’d normally pay for just one year, at no additional cost. As Girl Scouts, girls can choose from a variety of activities, surround themselves with supportive peers, and engage with mentoring adults. For more information on the Get Ready with Girl Scouts™ program, visit girlscouts.org/getready. To learn more, join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org.

413 Young Women of Distinction Honored at Annual Ceremony

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida (GSGCF) honored 413 Girl Scouts with 576 awards during the 2025 Young Women of Distinction Ceremony on May 18 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. Awards recognized achievements in leadership, service, faith, academics, and entrepreneurship.

View the photos on Facebook, HERE

Gold Award alum and World Foundation for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Board Director Laura Robert-Rivera delivered the keynote, encouraging girls to stay involved and recognize the pivotal moments that shape them.

This year, GSGCF honored six Girl Scouts who earned the prestigious Gold Award—the highest achievement in Girl Scouting—recognizing extraordinary leadership and sustainable community impact. “The Gold Award is truly the mark of the remarkable,” said GSGCF CEO Mary Anne Servian. “We are here today to celebrate young women who have turned their passions into purpose through this prestigious achievement.”

GSGCF Class of 2025 Gold Award Girl Scouts:

  • Krysta Fowler (North Port): Built 26 bat habitats and launched a multi-county conservation campaign.
  • Olivia Trader (Cape Coral): Created a campus safety guide and led self-defense classes.
  • Victoria Morton (Port Charlotte): Established a pet food pantry and published resource guides.
  • Reagan Graham (Sarasota): Distributed 2,000+ pairs of socks and founded a permanent sock closet.
  • Harley Cross: Launched a 24/7 anonymous food pantry to combat hunger with dignity.
  • Dakota Partelow: Renovated a room at Valerie’s House and provided sustainable resources for youth mental health and bereavement support.

The event also celebrated 11 Silver Awards, the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn, and 74 Bronze Awards, the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can earn

65 Journey Summit Awards, and 77 Religious Recognitions. 31 girls received 10-Year Membership Pins, and 29 graduating seniors earned Bridge to Adult certificates.

244 Girl Scout Cookie Entrepreneurs were recognized for selling more than 1,000 boxes of cookies. Among them, 47 sold 1,500+ boxes, 29 sold over 2,000, seven exceeded 3,000, three surpassed 4,000, seven hit 5,000, and one exceptional Girl Scout, Grace Pabalan, reached a new council record of 8,060 boxes sold in a single season.

In total, GSGCF Girl Scouts sold over one million boxes of cookies this year and donated more than 41,000 boxes through the Gift of Caring program. A special Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Olivia Trader, who has sold over 50,000 boxes of Cookies during her 13-year Girl Scout journey.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.: Girl Scouts create the world they want to live in and strive to make it better every single day. They explore their strengths, take on new challenges, and can always be themselves, regardless of background or ability. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida council has a membership of nearly 3,500 girls in grades K-12, and more than 1,500 adult members. GSGCF is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA and serves girls in ten counties including: Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier. The council is governed by a volunteer board of directors who represent the geographic, ethnic, and social demographics of the council’s jurisdiction. For more information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida visit www.gsgcf.org. 

Former NICU Babies, Now Girl Scouts, Deliver Sweet Support to Sarasota Memorial’s NICU

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

The girls wanted to help NICU families by donating Girl Scout Cookies to the hospital.What’s more special than NICU babies? Two Girl Scouts who were once NICU babies themselves, returning with arms full of cookies and hearts full of gratitude.

Isabella and Cheyenne, members of Girl Scout Troop 670 from Punta Gorda and students at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlotte, recently delivered boxes of Girl Scout cookies to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. The donation was part of the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s Gift of Caring program, which allows community members to purchase Girl Scout Cookies for donation to local heroes and those in need.

Isabella was born at Sarasota Memorial in 2018, weighing just 1 lb. 10 oz. at 27 weeks. Cheyenne was born at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Fort Myers in 2017, at 35 weeks and weighing 3 lbs. 13 oz. Now sisters in scouting—a Daisy and a Brownie—the two girls are giving back to the same kind of medical staff and families who once cared for them.

“After much thought and consideration, we couldn’t think of a better donation for these two girls to make, than to a NICU,” said troop volunteer Chrystal Ortiz. “What a way to give back to those who continue to care and nurture these babies, like they were both cared for.”

“The life of NICU parents and their families, can be a long and rough journey filled with heartbreak and setbacks,” she added. “Maybe these cookies will bring comfort to parents sitting there day after day, hour after hour, listening to the beeps of machines.”

In 2025, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida donated 41,587 packages of cookies through Gift of Caring, bringing smiles and encouragement to frontline workers and deployed military members alike. Girl Scouts are hand-delivering donations across the council footprint in Sarasota, Manatee, and Lee counties, and beyond.

Before leaving Sarasota Memorial, Isabella and Cheyenne visited the hospital chapel to pray for the babies, families, and staff in the NICU. Their gesture served as a heartfelt thank-you to the medical professionals who provide critical care to the tiniest patients and hope to their families.

Troop 670 donated their Gift of Caring Cookies to Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s NICU.

Isabella was born at Sarasota Memorial in 2018, weighing just 1 lb. 10 oz. at 27 weeks. Cheyenne was born at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Fort Myers in 2017, at 35 weeks and weighing 3 lbs. 13 oz.

One Girl Scout’s Advocacy Helps Pass Life-Saving Baby Box Bill

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Kaylee Jones, a 17-year-old Girl Scout from the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, is on the verge of making history. As she works toward earning her prestigious Gold Award, the bill she has spent nearly two years advocating for—Florida Senate Bill 1690—is set to be signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis.

The bill expands the use of Safe Haven Baby Boxes across Florida. These secure, temperature-controlled boxes are installed at designated fire stations and hospitals, providing a safe, anonymous way for parents in crisis to surrender their newborns without fear, shame, or legal repercussions.

For Kaylee, this mission is rooted in her own life story as a child who was adopted.

“I know first-hand that not all moms, and especially teenage moms, always have a plan for after the birth of their child. “I was inspired to work on this project due to my past. My birth parents were 16 years old and did not have supportive families,” she said.

Her birth father tried to care for her during the first two months of her life, but ultimately made the difficult decision to place her for adoption, giving her a second chance.

“I am so thankful that I was not illegally abandoned, and this strengthens my desire to help prevent baby abandonment deaths,” she shared.

Her Gold Award project combines public education and legislative advocacy to raise awareness about the benefits of Safe Haven Baby Boxes and increase their availability in Florida communities.

“Women in a crisis pregnancy situation will now have a completely anonymous option to surrender their infant. It is my hope that offering these baby boxes will help eliminate baby abandonments. Using these baby boxes will provide the mother an opportunity with no shame, no blame, and no name.”

She is hopeful the new law will reassure moms in crisis that their babies can be safely and lovingly placed for adoption, without fear of legal repercussions for the birth parents.

She credits much of her confidence and communication skills to her 11 years in Girl Scouts.

“Ever since I started Girl Scouts 12 years ago, I have greatly improved my skills in public speaking and how to get into contact with important people. Doing cookie booths helped me learn how to communicate with people and how to organize my time. Cookie booths taught me to shoot for the sky with my goals, and I’ve carried that over to my Gold Award.”

Throughout her advocacy journey, Kaylee met with lawmakers, collaborated with nonprofits, and educated the public on the need for safe, legal alternatives for surrendering infants. Her work helped garner support for SB 1690, which she believes will help save lives.

“I have learned a lot about the political and legal process and that it is hard to get everyone to agree on an issue even if it will benefit the citizens. Working on this project for nearly two years has taught me you need to persevere and be determined to get the results you want. I have met several politicians and other people who were able to help make a big impact and help the bill get passed.”

Kaylee’s work is not done. Now that the legislative arm of her project is complete, she is turning her focus to serving moms in her own local community by working with the Fort Myers Fire Department and Safe Haven Baby Box to install a box right here in Fort Myers.

“These baby boxes are installed due to public interest. All you need to do is contact Safe Haven Baby Box and ask how to begin the process. They will walk you through how to contact fire stations and find one that is open to having a baby box installed. Once there is a contract in place, then they need to help find a contractor and an alarm system to install the baby box. Once there is a contract, fundraising can begin.”

She also shared a heartfelt message for mothers facing difficult decisions.

“I want mothers in crisis to know they don’t have to do this alone. They can call the hotline and talk to someone about what they are going through. They will be informed of their options, receive emotional support and get help to make the best decision for them and their baby. There should be no shame, no blame and no name. The choice to safely surrender your infant may be hard, but sometimes the best choices are the hardest ones to make.”

Local Businesses + Girl Scouts = Unboxing the Future for Young Entrepreneurs!

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Based on recent research published in The State of the Florida Girl Report, we know that when girls succeed, communities thrive. That’s why we’re thrilled to celebrate the amazing businesses that joined our Cookie Business Partner Program this spring! 🍪

Through this program, local businesses stepped up to support 93 Girl Scouts across the Gulf Coast by purchasing over 12,000 boxes of cookies—giving these young entrepreneurs the boost they need to power a year full of adventure, leadership, and skill-building.

More Than Just Cookies—Fueling Girl Scouts’ Dreams

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurship program in the world. It teaches girls essential skills like goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. But it’s so much more than just selling cookies—it’s about building confidence, independence, and leadership.

Thanks to the support of these incredible businesses, Girl Scouts in our community will embark on camping trips, outdoor adventures like swimming and kayaking, art projects, STEM activities, and service projects that give back to their communities. Their future is bright, and it all starts with a box of cookies!

A Special Thank You to Our Cookie Business Partners

We are incredibly grateful to the 185 businesses that believe in the power of girls and have stepped up to invest in the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

A special thank you goes to the following businesses that supported our Girl Scouts by purchasing 16 or more cases of Cookies, including:

  • Coastline Engraving Company
  • Acura of Naples
  • American Legion Post 113
  • Boaters Landing, Inc. of Fort Myers
  • Callaghan’s Best One Tire & Service
  • Carlos A. Gutierrez P.A.
  • Castlerock Benefits
  • Cha Time
  • Crafty Counseling
  • Creative Events and Rentals
  • Falcon Tire Center
  • Fresh Take Solutions
  • Harllee & Bald PA
  • Lakehouse
  • Lansdowne Street LLC
  • Lodgco Hospitality
  • Mike’s Auto Body and Paint Inc.
  • Millennium Physicians Group (David J. Knudtson MD, FACP)
  • Mowers Inc.
  • National Window Co.
  • Once Upon A Child
  • Roman’s Submission School
  • Shea’s Lansdowne Street LLC
  • Statement Jewelers
  • Taylor Carpet One
  • The GOAT Plumbing
  • The Paper Merchant
  • The Sandbar & Grille
  • The UPS Store 262689
  • Truax Downtown Dental
  • Uncle Ricco’s Pizza
  • Woods Weidenmiller Michetti & Rudnick
  • Cape Coral Title
  • Cemex Inc.
  • Phil’s Site Prep Inc.
  • VFW Auxiliary 702
  • Jersey Girl Bagels
  • Coconut Point Honda
  • Freedom Jet Ski Rental
  • Music Go Round
  • Palm Pointe Dentistry
  • Sunset Cadillac of Bradenton
  • Ryder Bikes
  • Fraternal Order of Eagles
  • Kia of Port Charlotte
  • Sons of the American Legion Post 103
  • Express Employment Professionals
  • Barefoot Trader Inc.
  • FineMark National Bank & Trust
  • Floorz
  • Footnotes Dance and Music
  • Gail’s Family Hair Styling
  • Germain Lexus of Naples
  • Good Works
  • Lexus of Naples
  • Lou’s Total Car Care
  • Making Math Add Up
  • Only the Beginning
  • Paco’s Tacos
  • Palm Island Resort
  • Sanibel Air & Electric
  • The Chop Shop
  • The Golf & Casual Shop
  • The Postal Place Pack & Ship
  • E & T Maintenance & Repair LLC
  • Footnotes Dance & Music Studio
  • Kikes Transport LLC
  • Hendrick Honda Bradenton
  • IL Primo Pizza & Wings
  • Naples Nissan
  • Anthony’s Cooling Heating and Electrical
  • Cox Chevrolet
  • Gavin’s Ace Hardware
  • Landes Emergency Training Services
  • Nissan of Bradenton
  • USA Fence
  • American Legion – DN McQueen Post 103
  • Hyperfiber
  • Callender Tree Service LLC
  • Dazzle Me Productions LLC
  • Grout Shield Distributors
  • Law Office of Marc L. Shapiro
  • Legendz Barbershop
  • Retallick Financial Group
  • Elite Pain Care
  • Push Unique Serving Hands LLC
  • Smitty’s
  • Kid to Kid (Fort Myers)
  • Southern Precision Cleaning LLC
  • DLS Construction Inc.
  • Rotonda VFW Post 10476
  • Annie’s Restaurant

Sign Your Business Up to Support Girl Scouts

If you are interested in participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Business Partner Program please email customercare@gsgcf.org.

The Heart of Our Movement: Celebrating Girl Scout Volunteers

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida
A group of Junior Scouts and volunteers standing on a white bridge together A group of Junior Scouts and volunteers standing on a white bridge together

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Girl Scouts, dedicating their time, energy, and passion to empower young girls across Florida. Their unwavering commitment not only enriches the lives of individual scouts but also strengthens our communities as a whole.

The Impact of Volunteers

Girl Scout volunteers wear many hats—they are mentors, educators, confidants, and role models. Through their guidance, girls learn invaluable skills, from leadership and teamwork to problem-solving and community service. Volunteers create safe and nurturing environments where girls can explore their interests, build confidence, and develop resilience.

Insights from the State of the Florida Girl Report

The recent State of the Florida Girl Report sheds light on the challenges faced by young girls in our state and underscores the vital role volunteers play in addressing these issues:

  • Alarmingly, 52% of high school girls reported feeling sad or hopeless for two or more weeks in a row, reflecting a 40% increase in depression over the past decade.
  • 1 in 4 girls seriously considered attempting suicide, showing a troubling rise of more than 60% in the last 10 years.
  • 1 in 8 girls miss school due to feeling unsafe
  • Girls are 1.5 times more likely than boys to stay home after experiencing bullying.

The State of the Florida Girl Report also confirms something we already knew—Girl Scout volunteers are changing and saving girls’ lives. One girl surveyed said, “My troop leader saved my life.”

Some other heartwarming facts from the report:

  • 89% of Girl Scouts in Florida report that their troop leader “cares about me as a person.”
  • 84% describe that their troop leader “makes me feel important.”

Donating time to build positive relationships with girls is perhaps the most simple, yet effective, way to sew more systems of support into our communities for girls.

These statistics highlight the pressing need for positive adult influences in the lives of young girls. Volunteers provide the support and encouragement necessary to navigate these challenges, fostering environments where girls feel safe, valued, and capable.

A Call to Action

In light of these findings, the importance of volunteering with the Girl Scouts has never been more evident. Whether you can give a few hours, a few weeks, or a few months, your involvement can make an incredible impact on the life of every girl.

By becoming a volunteer, you contribute to building a community where every girl is celebrated and valued.

If you’re inspired to make a positive change and support the next generation of female leaders, consider volunteering with the Girl Scouts. Your unique skills and experiences can help Girl Scouts dream big, explore new interests, and spark their imaginations.

Together, we can create a brighter future for all girls in Florida.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s volunteer page: https://www.gsgcf.org/en/get-involved.html

Thank you to all our volunteers for your dedication and passion. You are truly making the world a better place, one Girl Scout at a time.

Advocate for Charitable Giving: Help Support the Charitable Act Today!

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

At Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, we believe in the power of community and giving back. That’s why we’re asking our members, volunteers, and supporters to take action and help us advocate for the Charitable Act (H.R.801/S.317). This bipartisan legislation will create a non-itemized, universal charitable deduction, empowering taxpayers to give back to their communities—something we know is vital to strengthening the programs and initiatives that make a difference in the lives of so many, including our own Girl Scouts.

Why is the Charitable Act Important?

This bill will help millions of Americans continue to give back to causes they care about. The Universal Charitable Deduction (also known as the Non-Itemizer Deduction) allows individuals and couples to donate to charity and claim a deduction, even if they don’t itemize their taxes. This helps us keep the momentum going in charitable giving, which has shown a proven increase in donations—especially from those with adjusted gross income of less than $30,000.

For Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, individual donations are critical to the success of our programming, providing resources and support for our 6,200 Girl Scout members. Nationally, Girl Scouts have reported incredible outcomes:

  • 90% of Florida Girl Scouts say Girl Scouts gives them a sense of belonging.
  • 99% of Girl Scouts feel safe in the organization.
  • Girl Scout alums are more likely to attain a higher level of education than their peers.

By supporting this bill, you will help ensure that these life-changing outcomes continue for generations to come.

How Can You Help?

We’re asking for you to take a moment to write to your U.S. Representatives and Senators to urge them to support the Charitable Act. It’s simple, and we’ve made it even easier by providing a pre-written letter that you can download and include in your email. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Find Your District Representative:
    Below is a list of Representatives and the Florida districts they serve. Look for your district and contact the corresponding Representative.

Florida Senators:

  1. Rick Scott (R):
  2. Ashley Moody (R):

2. Download the pre-written letter:
Download the letter we’ve published to include in your email.

Support the Charitable Act letter from GSGCF CEO Mary Anne ServianDownload

3. Send your email:
Craft your email using the draft provided below. Don’t forget to personalize it with your Representative’s name and send it with the attached letter.

Sample Email Template:

Dear [INSERT REPRESENTATIVE NAME],

On behalf of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, thank you for your ongoing support of the Girl Scout Movement.

I write to ask for [REPRESENTATIVE NAME]’s support of the Charitable Act (H.R.801/S.317). This bipartisan piece of legislation will create a non-itemized, universal charitable deduction which will empower taxpayers to give back to their communities. Please see the attached document for a letter from the CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Mary Anne Servian.

Yours in Girl Scouting,
[YOUR NAME]

It’s time for us to make our voices heard!

As a member of the Girl Scout community, your support can help us continue to provide valuable programs and opportunities to young girls across Florida. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that future generations benefit from the power of charitable giving.

Thank you for your support!

Suncoast Credit Union supports Girl Scouts science, math and civic engagement programs

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida
Junior Girl Scouts pointing to a spot on a globe

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida (GSGCF) is proud to announce that it has received a generous grant from Suncoast Credit Union to support leadership development programs for girls across the region. This funding will help provide girls with essential skills in STEM, entrepreneurship, outdoor exploration, and civic engagement, empowering them to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Thanks to this grant, GSGCF will expand access to high-quality programs that inspire courage, confidence, and character in young girls. Through innovative initiatives and hands- on experiences, participants will have the opportunity to build practical skills, develop strong leadership abilities, and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

“Girl Scouts is dedicated to helping girls reach their full potential, and Suncoast Credit Union’s commitment to empowering the next generation aligns perfectly with our mission,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “Their support enables us to continue creating life-changing opportunities that help girls thrive.”

This grant underscores Suncoast Credit Union’s dedication to improving the lives of children and supporting organizations that foster education and leadership. GSGCF expresses its sincere gratitude for this partnership, which will continue to inspire and uplift girls throughout Gulfcoast Florida.

“At Suncoast Credit Union, we are committed to empowering the next generation of changemakers,” said Bob Hyde, Vice President of Community Impact, Suncoast Credit Union. “By supporting the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, we are investing in young leaders who will shape the future through innovation, courage, and service. With opportunities in STEM, entrepreneurship, outdoor exploration, and civic engagement, these girls are gaining the skills and confidence to make a meaningful impact on their communities and beyond.”

For more information about the programs supported by this grant or to learn how to get involved with Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, visit www.gsgcf.org.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.: Girl Scouts create the world they want to live in and strive to make it better every single day. They explore their strengths, take on newchallenges, and can always be themselves, regardless of background or ability. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida council has a membership of nearly 3,500 girls in grades K- 12, and more than 1,500 adult members. GSGCF is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA and serves girls in ten counties including: Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier. The council is governed by a volunteer board of directors who represent the geographic, ethnic, and social demographics of the council’s jurisdiction. For more information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida visit www.gsgcf.org.

About Suncoast Credit Union

Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 8th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its $18.4 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 81 full-service branches and serves more than 1.2 million members across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union’s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit Union’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida’s 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $53 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit suncoast.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.