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Local Teen Receives GSSEM's First Shining Star Award
On September 7, 2023, GSSEM recognized Zoe Granger for her local charity endeavors.
November 17, 2023
Zoe Granger comes by her charitable convictions naturally. Her mother and mentor, Jennifer Granger, is active with multiple organizations across the Metro Detroit area. Zoe is following in her footsteps.
This past September, Zoe Granger received the inaugural Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan (GSSEM) Shining Star Award in recognition of her service to the homeless and contribution to GSSEM. The award was presented at a signature fundraising event at the Girl Scout Gala on September 7 at Chroma in Detroit's historic Milwaukee Junction.
"Zoe Granger exemplifies what it means to be a Girl Scout," said Monica Woodson, CEO of GSSEM. "She saw a need and created a project that made a positive impact in our community. She generously offered her time and leadership experience to our Girl Scouts. Zoe inspires all of us to do more for others."
She was 11 years old and living in Sacramento, California, when she developed her initial homeless kit. It was a simple package made up of a pair of tube socks packed with bottled water, a granola bar, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. Zoe and her friends would assemble Caring Kids Kits on weekends and keep them in parents' cars for distribution as needed.
Zoe brought her project and positivity with her when, in 2017, her family moved to the Detroit area. Before beginning her senior year at Seaholm High School in Birmingham, Zoe spent time working with GSSEM Girl Empowerment Program (GEP) Girl Scouts on researching, planning, and implementing their own Caring Kids Kits to better align with GSSEM principles.
The service project kits will be donated to women's shelters in the GSSEM service area during Michigan's Homeless Awareness Month in November. Participating Girl Scouts will earn a Take Action Bronze Award for their efforts. To receive the distinction, GEP Girl Scouts work together for a minimum of 20 hours on a service project.
"I want young women to know that they can have a positive impact on their community," Zoe said. "It doesn't have to be complicated or expensive when it's done with compassion."
