By LOIS KINDLE
When Lea Manningham founded Girls of the World Inc. in 2009, her goal was to help young girls and teens lead successful lives, in part by teaching them a variety of life lessons to be carried into adulthood.
One such lesson is coming up Dec. 17, when 40 members of Girls of the World celebrate the organization’s inaugural Holiday Giving Tree. Girls in the program are currently participating in a donation drive for five area nonprofit organizations, and through doing that they are learning about philanthropy in a proactive way.
The effort began Nov. 28, when Girls of the World began distributing fliers, posting messages on Facebook and spreading news about it by word of mouth. Abundant Life Pregnancy Resource Center, Bikes4Christ, ECHO, Mary & Martha House and the Street Angels Ministry of The Life Church in Apollo Beach will be recipients of the items they donate.
“This day of service not only expands the meaning of Christmas for the young ladies but also provides much-needed resources to these local service organizations,” Manningham said. “No contribution is too small, as it will help families and individuals in need, now more than ever.”
Items on the wish list the girls are collecting include new clothes, shoes, bags, socks, jackets and underwear; blankets, diapers, wipes and baby clothes (three to 12 months); cleaning supplies, hand soap and paper towels; laundry detergent, Swiffer mops and pads; new or used adult bicycles; coffee, $10 to $25 gas or Publix gift cards and $25 Walmart gift cards.
The public is invited to donate to participate now through the drop-off deadline of Dec. 16, when all items must be received at the Girls of the World Inc. office, 300 Frandorson Circle, Apollo Beach.
On Dec. 17, girls participating in the effort will host a party for representatives of the nonprofits involved, who will then receive their wish list items and distribute them to folks in need. Faith Latin Cuisine is providing food for the party.
“We’re doing this as a life lesson to show our girls the importance of volunteerism, giving back to the community and teaching them how supporting another nonprofit can reach more people,” Manningham said. “We want to equip young girls and teens by providing them with life lessons like this one; by listening, educating and training them; and by building their self-esteem and self-confidence so they can live productive and rewarding lives.”
Thus far, Manningham estimates Girls of the World has benefited more than 200 girls and young women, ages 8 to 23.
Girls of the World Inc. is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization registered with the state of Florida. To learn more about it or to lend a hand with its Holiday Giving Day, call 813-810-1396.