By Marlana Hufstetler

Special to The Valdosta Daily Times

VALDOSTA — Assisting peers in need is top priority for Valdosta High School student Josephine Johnson. Josephine is a Life Scout in the Scouting America Troop 2020 and recently completed her Eagle Scout Project. 

Josephine’s recent hard work raises the question of what it is like being a female Boy Scout, and the 9^th grader had the following to say: “Scouts has made me a good person not just being nice and respectful to people, but to nature and other aspects of life. It has taught me how to lead and the best way in doing so.” 

Josephine’s knack for leadership and helping those in need led her cause. Homelessness is an unfortunate issue in the Valdosta community that requires real physical help, and most of all, care and compassion from those who can give. After learning about homelessness’s local impact, Josephine took matters into her own hands to help Valdosta City School students in need, filling up a total of 72 duffle bags full of helpful essentials. Perseverance was key. 

“There were some parts of the project that just weren’t flowing smoothly, which was to be expected,” Josephine said. “Sometimes, the plans didn’t turn out the way I wanted, which I needed to learn was just part of the process.” 

Each duffle bag contained a bottle of shampoo, conditioner, soap/body wash, lotion, deodorant, hairbrush/comb, disinfectant, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, lip balm, floss, crayons/color pencils, color book, water bottle, stuffed animal, and blanket. Separate boxes containing socks and underwear were distributed to each student. The planning of the bags’ contents was carefully thought out, considering not only physical needs, but also mental health needs as well. 

When asked about her inspiration for the project, Josephine responded, “I wanted to create something that would help people who really needed it and use the same creation in the future if they still needed it…Hurricane Helene, which unfortunately left even more people in need, left me with the perfect opportunity to help people who are really in need.” 

In addition to a whopping $1,590 through GoFundMe and cash donations, Josephine’s cause brought in countless physical donations for the duffle bag items. She offered a huge than you to donors and all others involved in making this project possible, including Second Harvest, Bassford Packaging, Southland Children’s Dentistry, Just Love Coffee, Southern Ob-gyn Associates, The Porch Community Church, and the Valdosta Teachers Federal Credit Union.