INDIANAPOLIS – Needy families struggling to provide for their newborns won’t be leaving St. Francis Hospital, empty-handed, thanks to the hard work of Girl Scouts Troop 1731 of Brownsburg.Trucks and cars pulled up to the entrance of the Women and Children’s Service at the hospital’s Indianapolis campus June 3 and the Scouts, accompanied by Troop Leader Darlene Smith, began unloading several boxes of baby-related items. Their donations were for the St. Francis’ Newborn Pantry, a family-assistance program
SUPER TROOPERS: (l to r) Courtney Sanzone, Sarah Pfettscher, Abby Dragon, Corinne Huls, Darlene Smith (troop leader) and Sydney Fleck.
Each Scout contributed to the project in a special way. Sydney Fleck assembled “goodie bags” for mothers and babies and coordinated publicity for the project; Courtney Sanzone made fleece blankets; Corinne Huls collected toys, assembled toy gift bags and made soft-sided play blocks; Abby Dragon collected clothing, made hats and baby booties; and Sarah Pfettscher collected diapers, wipes and bottles and made hooded towels
Troop 1731 began collecting the items in the Brownsburg earlier this year and made it part of their community service project. They also received a grant to purchase new items.
“This was a tremendous expression of generosity and the efforts of these young ladies will benefit many families who have nowhere else to turn for help,” said Mischelle Frank, a St. Francis manager who helped establish the pantry late last year.
It’s estimated that 40 percent of babies born at St. Francis hospitals are in families who are struggling financially, have limited resources or receiving charity care.
The Newborn Pantry is just one of the many community outreach initiatives at St. Francis. The hospital’s Neighborhood Health Center near Garfield Park also operates the BABE store, providing a wide range of items for infants, children and mothers.
To learn more about St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers community benefits and service, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=421.
Troop 1731 began collecting the items in the Brownsburg earlier this year and made it part of their community service project. They also received a grant to purchase new items.
“This was a tremendous expression of generosity and the efforts of these young ladies will benefit many families who have nowhere else to turn for help,” said Mischelle Frank, a St. Francis manager who helped establish the pantry late last year.
It’s estimated that 40 percent of babies born at St. Francis hospitals are in families who are struggling financially, have limited resources or receiving charity care.
The Newborn Pantry is just one of the many community outreach initiatives at St. Francis. The hospital’s Neighborhood Health Center near Garfield Park also operates the BABE store, providing a wide range of items for infants, children and mothers.
To learn more about St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers community benefits and service, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=421.
