While working on our Inside Government Girl Scout badge, the troop followed the news for one week to find stories that were important in our community. We collected stories about businesses, crime, accidents, town issues and people in need. The story that really caught our attention was about Lewiston High School’s Students Transitioning, Experiencing Progress, or STEP program.

We learned that there are many teenagers right here in Lewiston who are homeless or living in very poor conditions. Many don’t have the basic necessities they need, or the emotional and moral support of a parent. STEP tries to help these teens by providing basic necessities such as food, toiletries, clothing and shoes, getting them services they may need, and by being a caring group of adults they can rely on.

We also learned that STEP is mostly run through community donations, and with school ending soon, teens may need to stock up for the summer months. So, we decided to help.

Working with our school community, St. Dominic Academy, we collected many items and cash to donate to STEP. Mary Seaman, STEP’s homeless student liaison, told us our help will make a difference.

So we were thinking … if one small Girl Scout troop makes a difference, imagine what more donations could do?

We invite people of our community to help STEP, these teens in need, and create the possibility of a future for students who have what they need to stay in school.

Mary Cote, Lewiston, for Girl Scout Troop 1624, Lewiston/Auburn/New Gloucester