(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-Houston, February 11, 2002) Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (GSSJC) will host a playground dedication ceremony on Saturday, February 16 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mission of Yaweh Women and Children's Shelter, 10247 Algiers. Girl Scout Troops 10015 and 10171 will participate in the ceremony for the playground those homeless children, and Girl Scouts, will be able to safely play on from now on. These troops donated funds from their troop treasury and hours of community service to help build the playground, along with local faith-based community groups and volunteers.

Troop Leader Martha Franklin, a manager at Compaq who was recently recruited to be a troop leader through GSSJC's Gift to Girls Corporate Recruitment program, formed Troop # 10243 which currently meets at the Mission. "I have fond memories of being a Girl Scout, and I realize that these girls are very much in need of the esteem-building program of Girl Scouting," she says.

"We are proud of our ability to take Girl Scouting into communities where there are girls who desperately need the esteem-building programs our movement is known for," says GSSJC Membership Manager Nina Williams. "We have been working to develop troops here for some time, and now we have one Brownie Girl Scout, and two Junior Girl Scouts who will be able to enjoy this playground," she adds.

The Mission, which is an expanded outreach program of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church, now provides Girl Scouting as a stabilizing activity for young girls who lack a cohesive family unit and have been without an address for up to six months at a time. The Girl Scout program is open to every girl and adult volunteer that accepts the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Girls aged five through 17 are eligible, and uniform assistance is available.

Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council serves more than 53,138 girls and 14,000 adults in 21 east and southeast Texas counties. For information about joining Girl Scouts, call 1-800-392-4340 and ask for Membership. Visit us online at www.gssjc.org.

GSSJS Pluralism Statement
Embracing and promoting pluralism is an integral part of every activity and plan of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, not disconnected or separate projects. Only individuals willing to accept and be educated about the basic tenet that Girl Scouting is for all girls may serve in volunteer leadership or staff positions.

Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council l Brand Management & Fund Development Department
3110 Southwest Freeway l Houston, TX 77098