Sep. 25, 2024
Since dogs are also a girl’s best friend, Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians is partnering with animal shelters across the region to treat pups and support local troops. As part of the Fall Product Program, troops are offering a BarkBox for dogs in need of rescue.
Knoxville area donors can purchase a BarkBox to donate to a shelter dog at Young-Williams Animal Center. Proceeds stay local and benefit Girl Scout troops across East Tennessee, funding programming and the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
“Girl Scouts are encouraged to make meaningful contributions to their communities,” said Lynne Fugate, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians. “Through our partnership with Young-Williams Animal Center, we’re empowering our girls to demonstrate compassion and goodwill to the less fortunate, and that includes our four-legged friends.”
The Girl Scout-themed BarkBox includes a Pose and Play Beret dog toy, which doubles as a wearable hat, Berry Trios™ treats and instructions on how the pup can earn Puppy Patches. The boxes can be purchased for $25 each, and since the BarkBox is a standalone item, a BarkBox subscription is not necessary. It’s the perfect gift for a shelter dog awaiting a “furever” home.
The Girl Scout BarkBox may be purchased online for a donation at GirlScoutBarkBox.org. Donors can select Young-Williams Animal Center or another participating animal shelter. The boxes are available until Oct. 25.
Scan the QR Code. Every $25 donation provides a special treat for a shelter pup.
Young-Williams Animal Center, a nonprofit organization, serves the needs of lost, abandoned and neglected animals and is the official intake center for the City of Knoxville and Knox County. The center takes in an estimated 11,000 animals each year and focuses on ending pet homelessness, promoting animal welfare and enhancing the human-animal bond.
“We could not do our critical work without community partnerships,’” said Janet Testerman, CEO of Young-Williams Animal Center. “This collaboration with the Girl Scouts brings us another step closer to our vision of ‘a home for every pet’ while also offering joy and enriching the lives of animals in our care.”
Local Girl Scout troops have a longstanding history of community engagement, including areas that benefit animal welfare. Their volunteer work and community service hours help support local animal shelters, including Young-Williams Animal Center. Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians also is partnering with McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga and Appalachian Highlands Humane Society in the Tri-Cities.
The Girl Scouts Fall Product Program is not as expansive as the Girl Scout Cookies program, but it gives troops a chance to earn startup money, including funds for uniforms, camp and other activities. Directed toward family and friends, the program also teaches girls to learn five life skills: goal setting, money management, decision making, business ethics and people skills.
About Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians
Girl Scouts is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, offering programs that give every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of entrepreneurship, adventure and success. The Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians has more than 10,000 girl and adult members in 46 counties from southwest Virginia, through eastern Tennessee, and northern Georgia. Membership is open to all girls from kindergarten through their senior year in high school. Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. For more information, visit girlscoutcsa.org or call 800-474-1912.
