Girl Scouts organize bowling fundraiser for Puerto Rico relief

These girls are sparing a dime for a good cause.

Four Girl Scouts from Troop 2672 raised over $2,000 for children in Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Maria by hosting a “Bowlathon Fundraiser” at Melody Lanes, 461 37th Street, in Sunset Park, on February 10.

Samantha Roberts, Elena Marquez, Dahlia Sussman and Zola Coppa, all 10 years old, organized the fundraiser for their Bronze Awards, the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can reach, said their Troop Leader Jeannie Jackson. The idea behind the event came from the girls, who specifically wished to help the children affected by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, said Jackson.

The girls rallied 16 to 18 other kids to participate in the fundraiser, with all participating children raising $60 on their own, and each paying $20 to bowl. Local businesses, including Carroll Gardens’ Mazzola Bakery and Exit 9 Gift Emporium, donated prizes to the event.

The money is going toward Save the Children, a charity that works to assist children throughout the world with everything from disaster relief to literacy. The organization has people on the ground in Puerto Rico, according to its website, and is working closely with FEMA, the Red Cross and local partners.

The fundraiser is just the first phase of a longer Bronze Award project, said Jackson. While the next step is yet undecided, the girls are looking into meeting with Puerto Rican children and families who were displaced due to the hurricane.

“It has been a great experience,” said Jackson of the project.