Karma for Cara Microgrants help fund exceptional service projects led by youth 18 and under working to better their communities. Read about our microgrant recipients Lydia, Gabrielle, Brooke and Emma from Girl Scout Cadette Troop 777.  The girls built two little libraries to increase access to books for students at Oak Hill Elementary school.

1. What inspired to start this project?

Lydia Coleman, Gabrielle Eastwood, Brooke Peterman, and Emma Nations, all 8th graders (2015-2016 school year) in Girl Scout Cadette Troop 777, wanted to work on a project that benefits the school community at Oak Hill Elementary School in Austin, TX. They built 2 little libraries and they collected and purchased books in Spanish and English for the libraries. With the donation of the little libraries to the school, they hoped to increase literacy for Oak Hill Elementary students, which ultimately increases their chances for success in life. They believe that the free little libraries will encourage students to recommend and share books with one another, as well as with their families.

2. Why is your work important to you?

All of the girls in Girl Scout Cadette Troop 777 attended Oak Hill Elementary and have a love for the school and its community. Oak Hill Elementary has an economically diverse student body and the girls believe that the little libraries can benefit those students who may not have many books at home due to their financial circumstances. The girls in the troop also would like to encourage a love of reading because it will improve students’ self-esteem and, ultimately, their ability to advance socially and economically.

3. How did the money from the microgrant help with your project?

The girls in Girl Scout Cadette Troop 777 used the microgrant money to purchase 2 little library kits (unassembled), building supplies, paint, and books written in Spanish. The cost of all of this was substantial and so the girls were thrilled to receive the grant, making the project possible.

4. What message of giving back do you have for others?

When giving to others, you can really make a difference and help improve society. Studies have shown that literacy levels are strongly associated with the success of a society. It is the hope of the girls in the troop that all of the children at Oak Hill Elementary develop an early love and interest in reading that lasts a lifetime and paves the way to long-term success. The Girl Scouts also hope that students can bring their engagement with books into their homes to share with their families.