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Community Corner

"Give Back Girls" Bring Volunteerism to Community

The Giving Back Girls are baking, planning and fundraising to help people in need.

A group of DePaolo and Kennedy Middle school girls has joined together with a common mission of helping others.

They're called the "Giving Back Girls" and it all started when sixth-grade twin sisters Erin and Emily Gibney thought of holding a bake sale in November to raise money for those in need.

The bake sale was a success, and since then more girls joined the group to bake and raise money for Southington Social Services. They most recently held a bake sale at the Southington YMCA, with proceeds benefiting the YMCA's camp scholarship fund and social services.

"It's hard work but in the end, it's really worth it," group member Samantha Martins said.

The benevolent bunch is not only baking these days either - they are currently training to eventually take over the Social Service's backpack program.

Run by Melissa Reid and and Ashely Zerbe for the last four years, the program provides backpacks and school supplies to those who qualify. The "Giving Back Girls" thought the program would be a perfect project for the group.

"There's like 350 students who need help, it's feels really good to be able to," Emily Gibney said.

Sponsored by the Arc of Southington, all of the proceeds of the girls' fundraising efforts benefits the Southington Community Services. They're now planning a Mother's Day flower sale in May as well.

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The girls hope more people will donate baked goods or make financial donations after spreading the word about their mission. Arc of Southington Program Director Tricia Gibney, the admittedly proud mother of Erin and Emily, plans to attend upcoming Parent Teacher Organization Brown Bag Lunches with the girls to speak about their program.

"The girls are extremely busy, and they're really excited," Gibney said. "It's been a really unbelievable opportunity for these girls to see who's in need and helping a good deal."

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Those looking to donate baked goods or make contributions can contact Gibney at (860) 681-7303.

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