Girl Scout Troop 2486 — made up of Long Beach High School students who live in Island Park and Long Beach — spent the month of October collecting home goods and grocery gift cards to benefit Bethany House, a nonprofit shelter network that supports families in crisis.
The effort was part of The Great Give Back, an annual day of service in which libraries across New York State host community volunteer projects. Bethany House supports women and children experiencing homelessness and domestic violence, across Nassau County.
The scouts have volunteered with Bethany House in the past, preparing meals for residents.
“After learning more about the organization, the girls wanted to help the women and children of Bethany House in a more sustainable way,” said Teresa McCarthy, the children’s librarian at Island Park Public Library. McCarthy is also the leader of Troop 2486 from Island Beach Service Unit.
The result was a custom cookbook featuring recipes paired with instructional QR code videos filmed by the girls themselves. The project was designed to make home cooking more accessible for Bethany House residents working to rebuild stability and routine.
The Island Park Public Library served as the main drop-off site for donations. Residents contributed high-need household essentials like toilet paper, paper towels and cleaning products along with grocery gift cards, which help families budget for fresh food and personal care items.
The project culminated on Oct. 18 when Troop 2486 hosted a recipe-sampling event at the library. Patrons were invited to try dishes from the cookbook, learn more about Bethany House and speak with volunteers about ongoing needs.
Bethany House volunteer coordinator Jane McCabe attended to thank the troop and the community.
Troop 2486 members include Hannah Ackerman, Avery Alley, Magnolia Campbell, Caroline Luisi, Anna McCarthy, Kate Ragona, Keira Ricardo, Domenica Salamone, Sophia Stevenson and Maeve Ventre.
The project highlighted the idea that small acts of kindness add up. Troop 2486 demonstrated how young individuals can play a meaningful role in supporting their community when they need it most.
