Enfield’s Girl Scouts sent cards to members of the military, before the coronavirus outbreak, but the messages of appreciation have since resonated even more than originally intended.
Scout leader Kelly Parrott (daughter Dilyn is a Scout) said that the Enfield Scouts are very involved with local veterans, including teaming up with the American Legion and AmVets to flag local cemeteries and participating in Wreaths Across America. She and other leaders were looking for a way to “adopt” a group of active military.
Parrott’s son, Kyle, has been stationed with the 730th AMS at the Yokota Air Force Base outside of Tokyo, Japan since last July. The other leaders suggested that his squadron be the one adopted by the Scouts. A “Show Your Love” event was planned, making use of post-Valentine’s Day markdowns on supplies.
The Scouts, ranging in age from kindergarten through high school and from all across town, made cards, thanking the airmen in the squadron for their service. Some did so at their separate troop meetings and many gathered on Feb. 28 to finish up the project. The cards were put into a box, along with Girl Scout Cookies, candy, homemade treats, and other items, making it one big care package for the squadron.
“We put all kinds of neat stuff in there,” Parrott said. “The box weighed 27 pounds when I sent it out.”
The box took more than a month to reach its destination (sent March 6, received April 10). By then, the squadron had been quarantined in place. So, the gifts of appreciation brightened their spirits even more than expected.
Parrott reminded her son that airmen should send photos back to the Scouts. To ensure this, Kyle made a rule for his friends.
“He made a note on the box,” Parrott said. “It said, ‘This is from the Girl Scouts in Enfield, so if you take something from the box, take a selfie and send it to me.’”
The photos were shared among the town’s Scout leaders, and the leaders and Scouts were excited.
“Some of the comments I got were, ‘This is awesome,’ ‘Love this,’ ‘This is great,’” Parrott said. “It was great that they got it now, because they can’t even leave their base.”
Parrott said the effort will likely be continued. The airmen were encouraged to become pen pals with the Scouts, and another care package is being discussed.
“We do plan on doing another event to let them know we’re still thinking of them,” Parrott said.
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