x
  1. Home
  2.  News
  3.  Local News

Girl Scout bringing hope to children in foster care

| 11 Sep 2018 | 01:33
    Provided photo Girl Scout Amber Vitoulis created and is managing a project called Butterfly Bags, Bringing Hope to Children in Foster Care, as a way to make a positive difference in the lives of children who are going through a difficult time in their lives.
    Provided photo Girl Scout Amber Vitoulis created and is managing a project called Butterfly Bags, Bringing Hope to Children in Foster Care, as a way to make a positive difference in the lives of children who are going through a difficult time in their lives.

WARWICK — Amber Vitoulis is a Girl Scout from Troop #575 with a big heart. She saw a need in her community and got to work to make a difference.
Amber created and is managing a project called Butterfly Bags, Bringing Hope to Children in Foster Care, as a way to make a positive difference in the lives of children who are going through a difficult time in their lives.
'Butterfly Tag'When children are removed from a bad situation by Child Protective Services, typically a few of their belongings are thrown into a plastic trash bag when they are moved to a foster home. On top of feeling scared and vulnerable, these children may have the perception that they are not valued any more than the trash bags they carry. Amber wants to change that.
Amber’s goal is for a new bag, such as a backpack or duffel bag, to be given to each child removed from their home and taken into foster care here in Orange County. The bags will be filled with things to bring them comfort. More importantly they will provide an actual backpack or duffel bag instead of a trash bag. Each bag will have a “Butterfly Tag” with an inspirational message to let these children know they are cared about.
Donations neededAmber is accepting donations to help this project come to fruition. Donations of new backpacks, duffel bags, blankets, outfits, pajamas, books, toothbrushes, stuffed animals, coloring books, crayons and journals may be made for boys and girls ages newborn through teens.
Grace Lutheran Church in Greenwood Lake and the Albert Wisner Library in Warwick are collection locations.
EssentialsBusinesses and individuals are encouraged to help. To donate or for more information about the Butterfly Bags project please visit them on the web at www.Facebook.com/ButterflyBagsOfHope or email ButterflyBagsForHope@gmail.com.
By managing this endeavor Amber is on her way to earning her Girl Scout Silver Award, which is the highest honor a Cadette Girl Scout can achieve. She must make sure the good work is continued for at least five years, although she hopes that by making people aware of the issue, it will continue permanently.