Today I witnessed an amazing act of kindness by a family who have an amazing amount of love and kindness for people around them.  This act brought tears of joy to my eyes as I witnessed them pull their two flatbed trailers around the corner into this charity.  On Fox 2 News tonight, there will be a news article about the Scott Family from Poplar Bluff.  Their family has found away to give back to the community in the simpliest yet profound way.  In this tough economy, we find that charities are not receiving the funds and help they need.  This is where Girl Scouts should want to double their efforts and give back.  The Scott Family found away around these challenges, and it is as simple as removing a Tab Top. 

As someone who is not originally from this area, I see assets that seem to be overlooked by many of my friends who have grown up in St. Louis, and rightfully so.  St. Louisans have amazing assets in this area that others only dream about.  I know I would have loved to finish my Girl Scout high school years, but that wasn't readily available in my small town.  I know two families in my community that would have loved to have a quality children's hospital in their backyard, and we have more than one in St. Louis!  The quality of education and opportunities for continued education is vast and plentiful here in St. Louis.  Some people can only dream of getting to the "BIG" city and receiving an education. 

So I am making a challenge to all the Leaders, Parents and Girl Scouts.  As we look for those Take Action projects, please take advantage of helping the wonderful amazing assets here in St. Louis.  I challenge everyone (including myself) to be more like the Scott Family and collect over 2700 pounds of Tab Tops to donate to a charity.  This is a perfect recycling project for any It's Your Planet, Love It Journey.  Challenge yourself, as I will, and lets Make the World a Better Place.

As I teach in all my classes, customize your journey to fit your needs in your community.  You don't have to follow the book word for word!  There are lots of "customized" ideas out there to help you make the most of your journey.