Eleanor Williams has been a member of Orange County’s Girl Scout Troop 277 for the last six years enjoying campouts and hosting workshops with her troop. Her leader, Cynthia Byrd, recently helped her to achieve the highest award a Girl Scout can attain. To earn the Silver Award, Eleanor conducted a paper goods drive for the Precious Life Shelter in Los Alamitos.
Precious Life provides a safe, loving environment for women who have chosen to work toward self-reliance for themselves and their babies. Eleanor babysat for the shelter for eight months when she decided to work for the Silver Award. She would have to accomplish organization, determination and dedication in improving the community. “They told me that they needed paper goods like paper towels, tissues, baby wipes, disinfecting wipes and toilet paper,” she said. Eleanor saw the need for these items and agreed her project would make a positive impact. She subsequently designed a flyer, distributing it through family and family friends.
Eleanor is also a member of the National Charity League, South Coast Chapter, a mother-daughter philanthropic organization that is committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences. At a recent meeting she received a donation of more than 220 paper products, and her own grandmother donated nearly 100 items, with family and friends pitching in as well. A thrifty shopper, she also bought more paper goods due to generous donations, and used a lot of coupons.
“I really had a lot of fun working on my Silver Award,” said Eleanor. “I hope other cadettes choose to work toward the award. I learned so much about the Precious Life shelter, money management, and Girl Scouts in general.”
