Girl Scouts Project InVest: rebuilding Lives after L.A. Fires
Table of Contents
- 1. Girl Scouts Project InVest: rebuilding Lives after L.A. Fires
- 2. The Genesis of Project InVest
- 3. Global Response
- 4. Organizational Support
- 5. A Role Model Emerges
- 6. Looking Ahead
- 7. What inspired you to start volunteering for initiatives like Project InVest after the LA fires?
- 8. Archyde Interview: Project InVest and Rebuilding Lives After the LA Fires
- 9. The Impact of the LA Fires on Girl Scouts
- 10. Project InVest: A Beacon of hope
- 11. Global Support for a Local Cause
- 12. The Significance of the Girl Scout Vest
- 13. Looking Ahead and Supporting Future Initiatives
- 14. A Question for Our Readers
In teh wake of the devastating L.A. fires, a remarkable initiative emerged to support the thousands of displaced Girl Scouts and volunteers.Project invest 2025, spearheaded by dedicated volunteer Danelle Jiron, aims to restore a sense of normalcy and identity to young girls who have lost everything.
The Genesis of Project InVest
Danelle Jiron, a long-time volunteer and co-manager of the Crown Poppy Service Unit, recognized the urgent need to help after the fires. “ Every single one of my troops has lost at least one home,” Jiron said, prompting her to take action.
Global Response
jiron’s call for help resonated far beyond Los Angeles. On Jan. 12, less than a week after the fires began, she posted in a girl Scouts Facebook group seeking unused insignia. “Project InVest 2025 reverberated around the globe,” leading to an outpouring of support.
- Girl Scouts from japan
- Guam
- Barcelona
- Switzerland
…all sent their leftover badges.”I’ve had Girl Scouts from Japan, from Guam, from Barcelona, from Switzerland also send me their leftover badges,” she said, quickly filling her living and dining rooms with boxes of donations.
Organizational Support
Seeing the immense need, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles and Girl Scouts of the USA stepped in to provide storage space and additional resources. These organizations provided items that project InVest didn’t receive through donations, ensuring complete support. Theresa Edy-Kiene, chief executive of Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, emphasized the emotional significance of the project: “Giving them back their vest meant giving them back a piece of themselves in Girl Scouts.”
“Entire neighborhoods are gone,” Edy-Kiene said. “ They made it very clear to me that they didn’t want the fires to take one more thing away from them.”
A Role Model Emerges
Emma D., a ninth-grader, exemplifies the spirit of the girl Scouts.After joining Crown Poppy two years ago, she now volunteers her Saturdays to help Project InVest. “And I just like, oh, they’re really cool,” she said. “ I want to be a role model for other girls like they were to me.”
emma and other volunteers spend their time sorting donations,ironing on badges,and sewing vests. “If I could be a sister to them, like they would be a sister to me. I’ll do anything for that,” she said,highlighting the strong bond within the group.
Looking Ahead
Jiron aims to complete the project within six months, after which leftover materials will be sent to other chapters for similar initiatives. So far, the team has rebuilt about 100 vests, bringing immense joy to the girls. “These kids have been through such a horrific set of experiences that nobody should have to go through, right?” Jiron said. “That’s what it’s all for, for that laughter and for that joy.”
Project InVest not only provides tangible resources but also restores a sense of belonging and identity to young Girl Scouts affected by the L.A. fires. By rebuilding vests, the project rebuilds lives, one badge at a time.
What inspired you to start volunteering for initiatives like Project InVest after the LA fires?
Archyde Interview: Project InVest and Rebuilding Lives After the LA Fires
The devastating LA fires of 2025 left thousands of Girl Scouts and volunteers displaced. Today we’re speaking with Sarah Chen, a spokesperson for Girl Scouts of the USA, about Project InVest, a remarkable initiative aimed at supporting these young girls.
The Impact of the LA Fires on Girl Scouts
Archyde: Sarah, thank you for joining us. Can you describe the initial impact of the LA fires on the Girl Scout community?
Sarah Chen: It was heartbreaking. Many Girl Scouts lost their homes and belongings. WhatS frequently enough overlooked is the loss of normalcy and the feeling of community. The fires took more than just physical items; they impacted their sense of belonging.
Project InVest: A Beacon of hope
Archyde: That’s devastating. How did Project InVest emerge as a response?
sarah Chen: The initiative was truly organic, spearheaded by dedicated volunteers like Danelle Jiron and strongly supported by the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles. It started with a simple Facebook post seeking unused insignia and grew into a global movement. Project InVest aimed to provide replacement vests and badges, effectively restoring a piece of these girls’ identities.
Global Support for a Local Cause
Archyde: The article mentions support from Girl Scouts around the world – Japan, Guam, even Barcelona and Switzerland! That’s incredible. What does that global response say about the girl Scout movement?
Sarah Chen: It truly showcases the sisterhood and global connections within the Girl Scout community. Everyone understood the importance of the vest, not just as a piece of clothing, but as a symbol of belonging, achievement, and identity. Their generosity really exemplifies the Girl Scout spirit.
The Significance of the Girl Scout Vest
Archyde: Theresa Edy-Kiene mentioned that giving back the vest meant giving back a piece of themselves. Coudl you elaborate on that emotional connection?
Sarah Chen: Absolutely. The vest is more than just fabric and badges. It represents years of hard work, accomplishments, friendships, and memories. For many of these girls, losing their vest felt like losing a part of their history and identity. Project InVest aimed to restore that sense of self and pride.
Looking Ahead and Supporting Future Initiatives
Archyde: Project InVest is nearing completion, with plans to share leftover materials with other chapters. What lasting impact do you hope this initiative will have?
Sarah Chen: We hope it sets a precedent for community support after disasters. It underscores the importance of restoring not only physical belongings but also emotional well-being and a sense of belonging. It’s a reminder that even small acts of kindness, like donating a badge, can make a world of difference.
Archyde: What can our readers do to help support the Girl Scouts and initiatives like Project InVest?
Sarah Chen: There are many ways to get involved! You can donate to Girl Scout councils, volunteer your time, or even simply spread awareness about the importance of the Girl Scout program. Visit the Girl Scouts of the USA website for more data.
Archyde: Thank you so much, Sarah, for sharing the story of Project InVest with us. It’s truly an inspiring example of community and resilience.
A Question for Our Readers
Archyde: What small act of kindness have you witnessed (or performed yourself) that had a surprisingly large impact on someone’s life? Share your stories in the comments below!
