Girl Scout's butterfly bags bring hope to children in foster care

GOSHEN — The first batch of Butterfly Bags of Hope were delivered to the Orange County Department of Social Services on Sept 12 by Amber Vitoulis, who created The Butterfly Bags initiative.
Amber began this Girl Scout Silver Award project to bring hope to children in foster care and as a way to make a positive difference in the lives of children who are going through a difficult time in their lives.
The bags are filled with things to bring them comfort such as clothing, blankets, stuffed animals, coloring books and crayons, journals and pens, toothbrushes, and tissues. Each bag has a “Butterfly Tag” attached with a message of hope.
Darcie Miller, commissioner of the Orange County Department of Social Services, said: “It was my pleasure to meet Amber and her mother Ann Marie as they delivered the first batch of “Butterfly Bags” for children in foster care. Amber, motivated by her heart and compassion for children who have to leave so much behind and her desire to provide them with some comfort, has assembled these bags with love. There are nearly 400 children in foster care in Orange County. These Butterfly Bags will provide a sign of hope for each child as they receive them.”
Amber is overwhelmed by the support of the community, saying “I learned from this project that when people are made aware about a situation, especially when it is to help children, they can be very generous. It showed me how good people are.”
Amber is grateful to the Warwick community, and all the individuals, families, Girl Scout troops, businesses who has contributed and supported this continuing endeavor.
Donations may be made at Grace Lutheran Church in Greenwood Lake. Other collection sites will be announced.
To donate or for more information about the Butterfly Bags project contact them at www.Facebook.com/ButterflyBagsOfHope or email ButterflyBagsForHope@gmail.com.