Warming up to the Mitten Tree

Hands down this is one of the most colorful projects taken on by area Girl Scouts.

As a community service project, members of area Girl Scout troops are collecting and purchasing mittens, hats and scarves for those in need in the community. They are placed on a Mitten Tree in the children's area of the Carson City Library.

Ten-year-old Saraphine, with troop 399, carried in an arm full of mittens and scarves Saturday to the library. The other scouts looked and smiled as she headed to the tree in the corner to place them on the branches.

"We've been doing this at least 10 years," said Mary Knight with troops 196 and 240. "It's part of their community service project."

Knight said the girls use proceeds from annual cookie sales to purchase the scarves and mittens and receive them by community donations.

"It's the girls who make the decision as to what to buy and how much to spend," Knight said.

Ariel, 8, of Troop 196 brought in gray mittens and a red coat.

"And two scarves and one hat," Ariel said, as she took a break from creating a tall structure of building blocks.

Veronica Polano, an adult helper with Troop 157, said just by getting the word out to the community is how they receive some donations.

"My neighbor found out what we were doing and brought stuff over to us last year," Polano said. "Some troops are also making Christmas ornaments and Christmas letters to send to the troops."

Robin, 7, is in her second year in Girl Scout Troop 196. This is her first year of collecting mittens for the Mitten Tree.

"I brought pink mittens," she said shyly.

"I brought in eight pairs of mittens," said 8-year-old Marcy, who is with Troop 196.

The community is welcome to donate to the Girl Scouts Mitten Tree project. New mittens in various sizes may be brought to the library, 900 N. Roop St., and taken to the children's area. The tree is in the corner.

"We will collect and bring in our own donations until Dec. 15," Knight said. "Then they are distributed to The Salvation Army or Advocates to End Domestic Violence."

To register to become a Girl Scout, call the area council at 322-0642. For information on the Mitten Tree or to donate, call Knight at 841-7917.

- Contact Rhonda Costa at rcosta@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.