More Than Michael's Mom

MISSION MOMENT: SWIMMERS, DIVERS, AND GIRL SCOUTS. . . OH, MY!

Towson University Swim and Dive Team, Girl Scout Troop 172 Cadettes, and others support BCPS through The Education Foundation

By TEAM BCPS

What do swimmers, divers, and Girl Scout cadettes have in common? In this case, they all recently provided service to the Exchangeree: Gizmos & Gadgets Galore, the Education Foundation’s collaborative resource centers supporting Baltimore County Public Schools.

TOWSON UNIVERSITY SWIM AND DRIVE TEAM | HOSTING A BOOKS FOR BINS DRIVE

In October, the foundation participated in a professional development activity for current BCPS interns hosted at the Teachers Association of Baltimore County (TABCO) headquarters. After a morning of learning and lunch, Deborah Phelps, the foundation’s executive director, talked to the future educators about the mission/vision/goals and values of the foundation and about the services it offers – including the academic and therapeutic supplies and books available from the Exchangeree.

The presentation inspired an idea for one of the attendees, Brendan Farrar, about what he and possibly the Towson University Swim and Dive Team could do next.

Brendan Farrar delivering the books to foundation Executive Director Debbie Phelps at the Exchangeree in Windsor Mill

Books for Bins collection ready for delivery.

Member of Towson University Swim and Dive Team with foundation Executive Director Debbie Phelps and Coach Anthony “Tony” Bruno

Brendan Farrar grabs a selfie with teammates and foundation Executive Director Debbie Phelps at Towson University.

"After hearing Ms. Phelps share information about the foundation and the unparalleled support it provides students and teachers,” Farrar said, “I knew this was the perfect opportunity to step up and get involved. We're at a critical moment in education across the country where the need for educational materials is at an all-time high.”

Farrar designed a flier to host a book drive at Towson University swim meet against UMBC.

“Hosting a book drive to provide books for educators to browse and take back to their classrooms at no cost, from the Exchangeree, removes an ever-present financial barrier, as well as introduces teachers and students to books of all different genres, styles, and levels,” Farrar said.

Towson University Swim and Dive Team met with Education Foundation Executive Director Deborah Phelps to discuss service and career goals.

Through the efforts of the Towson University swimming and diving programs, the Towson Athletics department, and the UMBC swimming and diving program, more than 1,000 books were collected and delivered to the Exchangeree in Windsor Mill for distribution. “I am grateful for the collaboration between each of these community stakeholders and the direct impact these generous donations will have,” said Farrar. “These contributions not only represent the unequivocal importance of childhood literacy, but the appreciation and respect we hold towards educators.”

The “lead ambassador” on this project, Farrar, completed his first semester internship at Woodbridge Elementary School and is currently at Westchester Elementary School. In May, he will complete his collegiate athletics career and earn a bachelor’s degree from Towson University. He looks forward to joining #TeamBCPS and continuing to work closely with the community to make an impact in our schools.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our team members working together to support the Books for Bins campaign," says Anthony Bruno, Towson University's swim and dive coach. "When Brendan, who is our team leader and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee president, asked if we could tie the campaign in with our dual meet with UMBC - it was a no brainer. While we ultimately were unable to have the competition as scheduled, our team members, their parents, friends, and the leaders from the UMBC team came together to fill a whole car with more than 1,000 books."

He continues, "At the end of training on the day we planned to have the meet, we were able to sit as a group with Mrs. Phelps and discuss how the books would be distributed and used throughout the community over the coming months. The appreciation of hearing how our effort would impact the children in Baltimore County was palpable. Not only did it heighten our sense of purpose, but it motivates us to ask what more we can do to help.”

GIRL SCOUTS TROOP 172 CADETTES | AN EVENING AT THE HUB

The Girl Scouts of America promotes character, good citizenship, and service to others, and that is exactly what the cadettes of Girl Scout Troop 172 demonstrated at the Exchangeree in Windsor Mill. In collaboration with troop leader Colleen Carmen, an Evening at the Hub was planned and scheduled.

Upon arrival, the group gathered for an overview of the foundation and the Exchangeree centers. Taking a tour of the center, the cadettes asked questioned and were amazed to learn that all supplies and resources they saw were donated by individuals and community business partners. The cadettes, who attend middle schools across the county, pronounced that every school district should have a center like the Exchangeree.

Girl Scout Troop 172 cadettes, with EDFoundation Executive Director Deborah Phelps, Girl Scout Leader Colleen Carmen, and Exchangeree Windsor Mill Volunteer Coordinator Susan Goodhand

Girl Scout Troop 172 cadettes arranging books for the bins

Girl Scout Troop 172 cadettes

Girl Scout Troop 172 cadette sorting new binders for the Exchangeree in Windsor Mill

Colleen Carmen with parent of cadette (Girl Scout Troop 172)

Next, the cadettes begin their service activity: unpacking, sorting, bundling, stocking, and arranging a large donation that had been made earlier that day. “Watching the cadettes transform from taking in information to taking action was a complete joy,” said Phelps. “It takes me back to my days as the principal at Windsor Mill Middle Schools, observing young adults working together to accomplish tasks.”

The foundation has invited the cadettes to return for a second service project in 2023.

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