American Legion Post 103 Commander Bill Manuel, left, presents a $250 donation to Girl Scout Troop 389 leader Debbie Smith. Next to Smith is Brownie leader Belinda Parent. Far right is American Legion adjutant Barbara Seale. Girl Scouts pictured are: front row, from left: RaeLynn Smith, Laney Grady, and Katherine Schroeder; second row, from left: Kaylyn Mumford, Sarah Davis, Aubree Southerland, and Ava Cromartie. (Kathy Grant Westbrook|mountolivetribune.com)
Bill Manuel, right, Post Commander of American Legion Post 103 Mount Olive, thanks the Girl Scouts and leaders of Troop 389 for the work they do. Manuel made his remarks prior to presenting the Troop with a $250 donation from the American Legion. (Kathy Grant Westbrook|mountolivetribune.com)
As a way of thanking members of American Legion Post 103 Mount Olive for their $250 donation, Girl Scouts and leaders of Troop 389 perform a song that has been a favorite of Scouts’ for generations: ‘Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow.’ (Kathy Grant Westbrook|mountolivetribune.com)
On Saturday, Dec. 2, members of American Legion Post 103 Mount Olive found themselves following directly behind a float carrying Girl Scout Troop 389 during the Mount Olive Christmas parade. That parade lineup has now led to a fortuitous meeting between the two organizations, which resulted in a follow-up meeting one month later, on Jan. 6, during which the American Legion donated $250 to the Scout troop.
“Our American Legion Post, we do this [make donations] all through the year,” said Post Commander Bill Manuel. He noted that some of the organizations his Post has donated to in the past include: the Parks and Recreation Department, the Boys and Girls Club, the Veterans Memorial Fund, and elementary schools.
When planning for 2024, Post 103 had identified the Scouts, in general, as an organization they wanted to help, but they didn’t have a specific troop in mind. Then came the Christmas parade.
Belinda Parent, one of Troop 389’s group leaders, recalled being approached at the parade by American Legion members. “They said they had allotted money, and did we have anything we could use it for?” she remembered. When she replied affirmatively, she was then asked what sorts of things the Troop might use it for, at which point she listed several possibilities, including: helping the Scouts pay for summer camp, providing financial assistance to Scouts who need help purchasing their uniforms, or purchasing Troop t-shirts.
Satisfied with that answer, Manuel’s group decided to move forward with the donation. Therefore, he, along with adjutant Barbara Seale and American Legion member Connie Wells, showed up at the Mount Olive Presbyterian Church on Jan. 6 at the close of Troop 389’s regular monthly meeting, bringing not just their financial donation but also several pizzas for lunch.
Prior to the check presentation, Manuel, a former Boy Scout, spoke briefly, saying, “I want to thank you girls for what you’re doing, and I want to thank the parents and the Girl Scout leaders for your time and efforts — a sincere thank you from the American Legion to the parents and the leaders for supporting these girls.
“Our support doesn’t stop here,” he added. “If you need us anytime during the year, give us a call.”
In turn, Debbie Smith, Troop Leader, pledged the Scouts’ willingness to help with future American Legion projects, if needed.
As a means of showing their thanks, the Scouts and leaders performed a song for the American Legion visitors, a long-time Scout favorite but one Troop 389 had just learned that morning: “Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow.”
Smith noted that participating in the Christmas parade is always “a highlight” for the Scouts, but the 2023 parade will be remembered as particularly special, thanks to the generosity of American Legion Post 103.
Girl Scout Troop 389 meets the first Saturday of every month, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Mount Olive Presbyterian Church, unless there is an off-site activity scheduled elsewhere. New members are welcome at any time. For information about joining the Girl Scouts, go to www.nccoastalpines.org.
