Brooke, Kaili, Laney, and Sarah of Junior Troop 72343 from Shirley, earned their Bronze Awards by supporting and raising awareness for Clear Path for Veterans New England’s Service Dog Program.

Clear Path for Veterans New England, located in Devens, provides wellness-based resources and support to veterans returning to their communities. One of their services is providing service dogs to veterans and military service members who have physical and emotional needs, especially those resulting from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI).

Using their Fall Product and Cookie Program earnings, the girls created dog chew toys and treats, which they sold at information booths they hosted at a variety of local community events.

In early August, the girls gave a speech to the Clear Path for Veterans New England’s Service Dog Team, and gave gift bags to the team members, thanking them for all of their work in the program. They also presented them with a check for $600 to provide custom vests for the dogs to display their owner’s name and military affiliation.

The girls said, “Working to help the veterans in our community really opened our eyes to how much using our voices can create change.”

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