Girl Scouts collect personal care items at area Walmarts during Showering the Community

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (GSEM) Troops visited Walmart stores on April 13, when they encouraged customers to purchase personal care items and participate in “Showering the Community.” People cannot buy these items with food stamps. Last year, GSEM collected 1,415,702 items, setting a Guinness World Record. It hopes to break that record in 2013.

Standing at the store entrances, troops handed lists shaped like raindrops to customers, asking them to donate items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toilet paper. Showering the Community is part of the April Showers program, which provides an opportunity for girls in grades K-12 to learn to lead, take responsibility, make good decisions and help those in need.

“Personal care items are not a luxury, they are a necessity,” said Donna K. Martin, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. “Having good hygiene and maintaining good health are important for a positive self-image and a sense of well-being.”

At the Manchester Walmart, Cadette Troop 1688 from Chesterfield was just one of many that signed up to participate. Cassidy Berghoff, a Daisy from Troop 1544, accompanied her mother and older sisters. Cadettes are in sixth through eighth grades while Daisies are in kindergarten and first grade.

“It’s a beautiful day; the girls are having fun,” said Annemarie Meciorowski, April Showers District Coordinator. She said within the first two hours, they had collected nearly 1,000 items.

“We have done this before but not here,” said Laurie Strege, an adult volunteer. Last year, we distributed and collected bags. This year, we’ll get to help load and unload the trucks.”

Girl Scout troops also distributed plastic bags to residential areas on April 12, 13 and 14. Residents are encouraged to buy extra items; put them in the bags and then leave the filled bags hanging from their doorknobs or on their front porches and they will be collected on Saturday, April 20.

“It’s fun to put the bags out and collect them, too,” said Tori Strege.

Residents who did not receive a bag on their doors can purchase pre-packaged bags from Schnuck’s stores during the week of the event. Those who are unable to participate or who forget to donate during the week of the event may drop off items at any Dierberg’s market from April 20 to May 4 and at any Schnuck’s market until April 24. People may also call 1.800.727.4475, ext. 4601 to arrange pickups.

Launched in 1998, April Showers continues to be a cornerstone for local shelters and families in need of donated items. According to Operation Food Search, April Showers provides 99 percent of all personal care items distributed in the region. GSEM attributes this major accomplishment to the generosity of residents within its community.