Category Archives: Council News

GSMH trip to the National Council Session and 52nd National Convention

Posted on by
Reply

Update: Registration has been extended — have your registration in to Deborah Oglesby by August 26.

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland trip to the National Council Session and 52nd National Convention

We are putting together a girl trip for the 52nd National Convention and would love to have a great group of girls attend!

The dates for the trip are Wednesday, November 9 through Monday, November 14 and will be leaving from the Joplin area.  Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland will provide letters to the schools of participating girls requesting that these days be considered excused absences due to the educational nature of the convention. These dates were chosen to allow girls to attend both the opening and closing ceremonies.  The cost for attendance as part of our council group is $735 per girl and $855 per adult.  These costs include transportation, breakfast each day, convention registration and your hotel room.  We are allowed to have 10 girls attend the Girl Scout Leadership Institute and there would be an additional fee for participation.

At this point in time, we have 16 spots open.  If we have more than 16 people committed to going, the per person cost will be dropped accordingly.

We have to register by August 1, 2011.  Please note that cookie credit and program credit may be used for this trip.  Also, if you would like to make a partial payment, to hold your spot, you may do so.  We would need a deposit of at least $250 per person to hold your spot.  Unfortunately, since we are on such a tight turnaround time, refunds will not be possible.

If you would like to attend, please contact Deborah Oglesby, Leadership Program Specialist at 877-312-4764 ext. 1212 or by email at doglesby@girlscoutsmoheartland.org.

Share

Joplin Service Center to Move to New Location.

Posted on by
3

The recent disaster in Joplin has left many businesses without operating space, many of which are looking to reopen as quickly as possible. As many of you are aware, our Joplin Service Center has been on the market since June 2010, after the board of directors voted last year to sell it and move operations to a storefront facility. A sales contract for our service center was submitted to us on Friday, May 27, and the board of directors approved it on Wednesday, June 1.

We recognize that this catastrophic event has disrupted many lives, and we are dedicated to make the transition process as seamless as possible for the girls, volunteers and staff in Joplin. The board also approved a lease for space one mile from the current service center location, in the Crown Plaza at 1202 S. Rangeline Road, Suites 8 & 9. This space will accommodate our staffing needs, house retail operations and a seasonal cookie cupboard, and provide a location for members to drop off paperwork.

We have received a closing date of June 30 regarding the sales contract for the Joplin Service Center. The last day for operations at this building was close of business on Friday, June 17. As you are aware, we will be leasing a space at 1202 S. Rangeline Road. We will need to do some remodeling before the office can be opened for business. We are working as quickly as possible to make this a quick turnaround, but there will be some transition time in which we will not be able to conduct business from the new facility, including retail shop services. To help provide good service to our members, customers in service units 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 707, 710, and 711 will receive free shipping on GSMH retail orders through our GSMH web site or through our mail order/phone order process. Free shipping will remain in effect until the retail services are up and running at the new facility on Rangeline.

If you need to turn in registrations or other paperwork, continue mailing them to the current Joplin Service Center address of 1029 E. 7th Street, Joplin, MO 64801. Please do not bring anything to the 7th St. address or the Rangeline address.

We are working hard to make this a smooth transition, and we appreciate your patience during this time.

Share

Girl Scouts recognized for earning highest Girl Scout award.

Posted on by
4

Connecting with the community!

Forty girls from central and southern Missouri, southeast Kansas, and northeast Oklahoma have earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting. To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, each girl must complete extensive leadership requirements, including thirty hours in a leadership role and forty hours of career exploration. Girls must also complete at least sixty-five hours of research, preparation, service, and evaluation for a project that serves a need in their community, locally or globally.

“Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland is thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of these young women,” said Chief Executive Officer Jennifer M. Orban, “Their dedication and leadership are a testament to the power of what girls can do.” Girls this year took action in a wide variety of ways. Their projects ranged from restoring local parks to developing sensory trails to delivering school supplies for children in Honduras.

Fewer than 5 percent of all Girl Scouts nationwide earn the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award annually. Forty high school Girl Scouts in Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland, which has a membership of approximately 16,000 girls, earned the award this year.

About the Girl Scout Gold Award

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award that a Girl Scout 14-18 may earn, often described as “what you really want to be remembered for” in Girl Scouting. For many, the leadership skills, organizational skills, and sense of community and commitment that come from “going for the Gold” set the foundation for a lifetime of active citizenship.

For more information, see the official press release.

Share

Volunteer projects available in Joplin through United Way 2-1-1

Posted on by
Reply

United Way 2-1-1 has begun mobilizing thousands of volunteers from across Missouri and across the nation. As you know, the recovery and rebuilding of Joplin is not something that can take place in a week. Volunteers are needed now and will be needed for the weeks and months to come. Please join United Way of Central Missouri in our effort to let our community know they can help the people of Joplin by signing up to volunteer at www.211missouri.org and/or by forwarding this information to your co-workers, family and friends.

Below is an image that links directly to the Joplin Relief Effort project page where individuals can review projects and sign up to help. The direct link to the project list is: http://www.stl.unitedway.org/getinvolved/volunteercenter/volunteer/joplin.aspx.  This list is updated often with new and changing projects. When people sign up, they receive an automated email with specific project instructions. Already thousands have used this system for to volunteer in Joplin, and many more spots are available.

Thank you for your efforts to help those people in need in Joplin. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (573) 636-4100.

 

For more information on Joplin relief efforts, see our previous post, Joplin-Area Tornado Relief Efforts.

Share

Girl Scouts Annual Phonebook Recycling Project

Posted on by
Reply

Girls learn to use resources wisely

It’s nearly time for new phone books to land on front porches and in business lobbies. Local Girl
Scouts have a creative way for your old phone books to be re-used! Now through July 31, Girl
Scouts will be collecting old phone books for Nestle Purina’s Project PetLitter. “Yesterday’s
News” is pet litter made from recycled newspapers, catalogs, magazines, junk mail, and other
paper. “This is a great, hands-on way for girls to take action within their community and to
practice the ‘use resources wisely’ portion of the Girl Scout Law,” says Jennifer M. Orban, CEO
of Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland. Girl Scout troops also benefit by receiving proceeds
from Nestle Purina PetCare rewards for each book collected. Last year Girl Scouts collected
more than 64 tons of phonebooks and earned more than $1,600 in proceeds to use toward
leadership activities and service projects.

The drop-off locations in Springfield include all Dillon’s grocery stores and from 8:30 am – 4:30
pm at the Girl Scout Administrative Service Center at 210 S. Ingram Mill Road. Area businesses
with 40 or more phone books may also call Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland toll-free at 1-
877-312-4764 x1137 or email smcall@girlscoutsmoheartland.org to have a Girl Scout troop
assigned to pick up old phonebooks.

For more information, see the press release.

Share

GSMH ESTABLISHES SPECIAL RELIEF FUND FOR MEMBERS

Posted on by
10

Update (August 11, 2011): The response to help those affected in our area due to recent natural disasters has been overwhelming! The level of generosity we’ve seen from people who want to help has been inspiring, and has greatly helped those affected.

If you would still like to contribute, as need still exists, we ask that you visit http://www.joplinmo.org to see if there are agencies still accepting items/donations or consider contributing to our GSMH Relief Fund, rather than sending items directly to our service centers.

Again, thank you for your help!

 

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland continues to send its thoughts and prayers to those who have suffered from recent natural disasters across our area. We are proud of our Girl Scout members, sisters, and friends who have reached out to each other in this time of great need.

To assist Girl Scout members who are struggling in the wake of flooding in eastern and southern Missouri and tornadoes in western and central Missouri, we have established a special Disaster Relief Fund. 100% of donations earmarked for this fund will be used to provide:

  • Replacement uniforms, books, patches, and supplies for girls and adults
  • 2011-2012 membership fees for disaster-area members
  • Summer camp and program event financial assistance for girls
  • Training fee financial assistance for adults

Contributions to this fund may be mailed to the Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland Administrative Service Center at: Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland, 210 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield, MO 65802. Please write “Disaster Relief Fund” in the memo section of your check.

Share

Joplin-Area Tornado Relief Efforts

Posted on by
14

Update (29 Feb 2012): If you are interested in supporting the area Girl Scouts by donating, please see the update in our post: . We suggest donating to the area Red Cross as they are always in need of support for disaster relief. Thank you!

 

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland sends its thoughts and prayers to the citizens in Joplin and
surrounding areas that were impacted by last night’s devastating storms. We are heartened to
see such quick response and interest in helping from our members and friends throughout the
country.

Below is a list of response opportunities and supporting agencies:

Volunteering

Emergency officials are asking sightseers to stay away from the area while the damage is
assessed. To volunteer, contact one of the following agencies:

United Way: 417-625-3543
211 Missouri: 211 or 1-800-427-4626

For nurses or doctors looking to help, call (417) 832-9500 for the Greater Ozarks chapter of the
Red Cross or visit https://showmeresponse.org/.

Monetary Donations

American Red Cross

Mail: P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013
or 1545 N. West Bypass, Springfield, 65803
Online: http://www.redcross-ozarks.org/donate/
Phone: 866-206-0256.

Convoy of Hope

Text: “convoy” to 50555 to make a $10 donation
Online: https://donate.convoyofhope.org/sslpage.aspx

Heart of Missouri United Way

Text “Joplin” to 864833 to donate $10 (charged to your cell phone bill).

Salvation Army

Text “JOPLIN” to 80888 to make a $10 donation (charged to your cell phone bill); you will need to reply “yes” when prompted.

 

Springfield Banks

Guaranty Bank, Bancorp South, Empire Bank, Great Southern, Metropolitan Bank, US Bank, Oakstar Bank, Liberty Bank, Springfield First Community Bank

Item Donations

Joplin is currently overwhelmed by unsolicited in-kind donations. Please be sure to ONLY donate items that are specifically requested or needed by recognized organizations. Unsolicited donated goods such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, and mixed or perishable foodstuffs require helping agencies to redirect valuable resources away from providing services to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of disaster survivors.

KOAM TV has posted a spreadsheet of known area drop-off locations:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Au8YYie-Ky7kdDdGcFhFNjFfMnZCQW45ZlFfUWtRS0E&hl=en_US#gid=0


Arma, Kansas:

USD 246 Board Office
(Items needed: shoes/flip-flop style, toiletries, bottled water and nonperishable
food)

Pittsburg, Kansas:

First Church of the Nazarene, 819 E. Quincy, 620-231-0658

Springfield, MO:

Ozarks Food Harvest: www.ozarksfoodharvest.org
(Non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, paper products)

Habitat for Humanity: 2410 South Scenic (ReStore) or 1161 West Division
(Blankets, water, nonperishable foods, medical supplies)

OTC Springfield Campus (National/Chestnut – trucks until 9 pm Monday)
(non-perishable food)

Springfield Jaycees: (toiletry items)
Jacob Krizan, Casey Real Estate, 205 Park Central East (The Holland Building) or
Elijah Haahr, McAnany, Van Cleave & Phillips, P.A., 4650 S. National, Suite D-2

Southwest Missouri Humane Society (Norton Road), 8 am – 5 pm
(Hand Towels, blankets, bleach, paper towels, dog/cat toys, kitty litter)

Drury University – Clothing Drive until June 3 (drop off at Findley Student Center basement, FSC 117 during business hours)

Staxx Clothing (331 South Ave.) and Jellybeans (2646 S. Glenstone)
(Clothing drive – new and gently used; donors receive 25% off coupon)
Business hours through June 15th

Branson, MO:

Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce: 269 Highway 248
(Bottled water until 4:45 pm Monday)

Republic, MO:

Republic Ford 1740 US Hwy 60 East; (888) 865-2576
(non-perishable food items, water, blankets, clothing)

Edward Jones Branch Office, 253 US Highway 60 West (417-732-1151)
(items recommended by the American Red Cross)

 

Blood Donation

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will have extended hours on Monday, May 23 – open
until 6:00 pm at both Springfield locations: Campbell/Plainview and Glenstone/Seminole. The
blood bank has issued a code red for type O- blood only, though all blood types are encouraged
to donate.

 

Animal Fostering/Rescue

http://www.joplinhumane.org/ or Facebook (Search “Joplin Humane Society”)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Animals-Lost-Found-from-the-Joplin-Mo-tornado/185768248141000?sk=wall

Fundraising Events (state-wide)

http://www.facebook.com/notes/joplin-mo-tornado-recovery/joplin-tornado-relief-fundraising-efforts/117118671706061

 

Shelter / Transportation

  • Ignite Church
  • Leggett & Platt Center at MSSU
  • Mount Hope Church of Christ in Webb City (call 624-1795)

The City and Joplin R-8 are coordinating transportation to help those left homeless due to
tornado. People can go to the following locations and a bus will take them to the shelter:

  • Junge Stadium on 13th Street
  • Forest Park Baptist Church, 7th & Range Line
  • Lowe’s 24th & Range Line
  • Vintage Stock, 32nd & Main.

Additional Information

Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information or referrals are urged to call 211.
The 211 service number is now available for most areas in Missouri. In areas where the 211
number is not operational, citizens can call 800-427-4626.

To locate loved ones, please visit Safe and Well from the Red Cross:
https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php.

Additional updates and information may also be available at:
https://www.facebook.com/joplinmo
http://www.sema.dps.mo.gov/recover/donations.asp

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland’s website and Facebook account will be updated as we
receive more information: https://www.facebook.com/gsmoheartland

Share

High Waters Cause Suspension of Activities at Camp

Posted on by
2

Update: Activities have resumed — please see the June 19th blog post: “Activities to Resume at Latonka Program Center“

Safety is number one priority

With Lake Wappapello’s water level at 35 feet above normal on May 9, Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland (GSMH) is forced to suspend all activities hosted at the Latonka Program Center until the water recedes and clean-up and restoration at the property can be completed.  Latonka Program Center is located in Wayne County and home to summer, troop and family activities, as well as council sponsored activities, such as summer resident camp.

“It is unfortunate that the historic flood has created this tough decision,” states Jennifer M. Orban, CEO for GSMH, “but parents depend on us as an organization to provide a safe environment for their girls.”

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland is offering summer camp at three additional locations, including Cherokee Ridge Program Center, also located in Wayne County.  Valarie Moseley, Chief Membership/Leadership Program Officer for GSMH understands the disappointment for the girls saying, “I know that many girls were looking forward to an outdoor camp experience this summer.  Therefore, we will be adding additional weeks of resident camp at the Cherokee Ridge facility for those who would like to participate in activities such as horseback riding, aqua sports, and the science behind the solar system.”  Go to www.girlscoutsmoheartland.org for more information on the additional sessions added at Cherokee Ridge.

If you would like to offer donations to help with the clean-up and restoration of Latonka Program Center, please contact Angie Sullivan at 877-312-4764 ext. 1343.

For additional information: http://www.girlscoutsmoheartland.org/pages/camp.php

Share

Missouri Flooding

Posted on by
Reply

We express our deepest concern for the flood victims and their families in southeast Missouri. As many of you know, we have numerous sister Girl Scouts in the affected area. We’ve had several calls asking how to help. For disasters in their early stage, it is best to offer donations instead of “packages.” Support can be provided by giving to one of the following locations in the local area:

American Red Cross – SE Missouri Chapter in Cape Girardeau www.semoredcross.org or 888-335-9471

Salvation Army – 573-335-7000

Southeast Missouri Food Bank – www.semofoodbank.org or 573-651-0400

Disaster Relief Fund – PO Box 53, Morehouse, MO 63868

Once the immediate disaster is over, you can continue to offer support through safe community service projects such as helping with clean up, clothing drives, or personal care item collections.

Share

Project PetLitter

Posted on by
Reply

Project PetLitter
May 1 – July 31, 2011

Project PetLitter is a program designed to help recycle old phonebooks and keep them out of landfills. Phone books are collected by Nestle Purina, who then recycles them by turning them into pet litter.

Girl Scout troops that participate will receive $25 from Nestle Purina for every ton of phonebooks they collect. Phonebooks will need to be deposited in designated bins, which will be available in Branson and Springfield. If enough troops in an area are interested, it might be possible to place a bin in your area.

To participate, complete a GSMH troop program registration form and a money earning project application and send it to a GSMH Service Center by May 30, 2011. You will then receive a detailed email about the project.

Questions? Please contact Stefanie McCall at the Springfield Service Center: 877-312-4764 x1137 or smccall@girlscoutsmoheartland.org.

Share