LETTERS: GIRL SCOUT LEADERS GET A SPECIAL DAY

To the editor:

On April 22, Girl Scouts of the USA will celebrate the accomplishments of more than 880,000 leaders and other volunteers. On behalf of the board of the Girl Scouts of Otahki Council, I would like to thank all of our local volunteers for contributing so much time and effort to the Girl Scout movement. They truly make a difference in the lives of girls.

Without volunteers, quite simply, there would be no Girl Scouting. Our volunteers are the very hearts of Girl Scouts, and we are grateful to them for the contributions they so selflessly provide. This is why the Girls Scouts of the USA has designated April 22 as Girl Scout Leader's Day to acknowledge Girl Scout leaders and other volunteers whose commitment, dedication and constant effort help girls grow strong.

For those of you who have a daughter in Girl Scouting, take a moment to think about her leader. Think about how at every meeting the leader is there to help your daughter experience new challenges and gain new skills for the future. Think about the amount of time the leader devotes to preparing for the meetings while balancing family, job and other time constraints. On April 22, think about all she does and remember your Girl Scout leader. Write her a note of thanks. Or, better yet, if you see her in the street, say, "You're doing a great job, and we appreciate it."

For those of you who are Girl Scout leaders and other volunteers, know that we recognize all you do and are truly thankful. You are one of the keys to helping today's girls become tomorrow's leaders. Together, we can help even more girls grow strong through Girl Scouting.

CAROLYN GOODIN

President

DENISE STEWART

Executive Director

Girl Scouts of Otahki Council

Cape Girardeau