Kindness Corner: Girl Scout Troop 888 spreads joy and service
LAKE WYLIE, S.C. - At Girl Scout Troop 888, the motto “make the world a better place” is more than just a slogan-it’s a guiding principle. With 87 members ranging from Kindergarten to 7th grade, Troop 888 is making a big impact in the Lake Wylie and Clover communities. Under the leadership of Lucinda Woodard, a lifetime Girl Scout with nearly 28 years of experience, the troop is dedicated to teaching young girls the importance of service and giving back.
Troop 888 places a strong emphasis on community service, organizing a variety of projects throughout the year. From litter clean-ups to school supply drives, the girls consistently show their commitment to improving their community. Twice a year, the troop hosts family-friendly service events: “Spread the Love” in February and “Holiday Helpers” in November.
This year’s “Spread the Love” event saw Troop 888 packing over 300 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the Roof Above homeless shelter in Charlotte. In addition, the girls made cookie dough balls for foster families, painted kindness rocks for nursing home residents, and crafted Valentine’s cards for community heroes such as teachers and coaches.
In November, the troop hosted their “Holiday Helpers” event, where they packed 38 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, decorated holiday cards for seniors, and created more than 100 holiday treats for assisted living residents. Notably, 90% of the items for the shoe boxes were donated by the girls, demonstrating how even small contributions can make a big impact.
One of the troop’s most impressive efforts this year was their “Candy for the Troops” initiative. After learning that the USO distributes candy to servicemen and women passing through Charlotte’s airport during the holidays, the girls set out to fill a critical need. With support from local businesses and organizations, Troop 888 collected over 4,100 bags of candy. The initiative brought together more than 1,500 volunteers from local Girl Scout troops and schools, including donations from Crowders’ Creek Elementary, Dr. Ryan Colosi of Lake Wylie Pediatric Dentistry, and other local families.
The candy was delivered to the USO’s storage facility just in time for the holiday season, ready to bring a little sweetness to troops far from home. These projects not only highlight the impact of Troop 888’s hard work, but also teach valuable life lessons about the importance of service, teamwork, and kindness. Through their efforts, the girls are learning that even the smallest acts of kindness can leave a lasting impression on the world.
Troop 888’s dedication to service is a testament to the power of community and the difference we can make when we work together. Through their ongoing efforts, they are spreading kindness, one project at a time.
