For new troops starting out or for older troops whose funds took a hit due to the Coronavirus, here are 3 amazing secrets on how to get Girl Scout troop supplies for free.
One of the questions that frequently gets asked when a new leader starts a troop is what to do about getting money for supplies. The responses are typically to ask your Service Unit or Council for money, as some do give a token $25 (and I call it a token because as a seasoned leader, you well know what it costs to run a troop-$25 doesn’t even cover the cost of one badge!)
Another simple answer is to ask for dues. Depending on the socio-economic situation and how many girls are in your troop, the typical range is $25-$50 for your first year.
Due to the Coronavirus, the way we lead our troops has changed drastically. Lucky leaders are able to meet in person; the rest are meeting via Zoom and doing the best they can to keep their girls engaged until they can meet again.
For safety reasons (both physical and mental), many leaders have decided not sell cookies this season. That cuts into budgets that depend on the sales to finance troop badges, patches, trips and activities. Even if you are not a big cookie selling troop, any loss of income is felt.
There are three ways to get Girl Scout troop supplies for free.
What is the Secret on How to Get Girl Scout Troop Supplies for Free?
The short answer is one word…ASK!
No one can help you if you do not ask. They are not mind readers! Here are three places that you can ask for free Girl Scout troop supplies that can help fund a new troop or help an existing troop.
Ask Family and Friends
This is a simple and easy ask to do via social media or an old fashioned phone call (if there wasn’t a pandemic, I would suggest asking in person). Explain that you are starting a new Girl Scout troop or that your existing troop is in need of craft supplies. Be specific in what you want so there is less back and forth. Do you need fabric scraps? Felt? Pipe cleaners? Any old odds and ends? Are you willing to take partially used or open packages? Then ask if anyone has extras that they are willing to donate and that you will happily pick them up.
When I needed supplies for an event I was holding at the Religious School where I teach, people came pouring out to help to donate the needed supplies. I did not need to purchase a thing! People really do like to help.
Buy Nothing Groups
Another way to obtain Girl Scout troop supplies for free is to join your local Buy Nothing group on Facebook and ask the way you would ask family and friends. People would rather donate than toss, especially if it is for a good cause. Pickup is easy, as most of these groups have strict guidelines as to who can join. They are very specific to the town in which you live.
Nextdoor
Another online place where you can ask for free Girl Scout troop supplies is the Nextdoor site. This will give you a wider range of people who will see your request, as instead of just your own town, it will reach into neighboring towns as well.
As always, when picking up items from people whom you do not know, practice safety precautions. Bring a friend or meet in a public place if you are not doing a porch pick up.
Have you ever asked for free Girl Scout troop supplies from other resources? What were they?
Dollar General and Walmart will help also
Thank you for your comment, Andrea. How can they help? Have you asked for donations? Please share!