Service Unit Volunteer Spotlight - Donna Rothchild

Meet Donna Rothchild! Currently the Co-Service Unit Manager for the Edison/Metuchen/Highland Park Service Unit (among many other roles), Donna has been an adult Girl Scout for 11 years. She has done so much to impact her Girl Scout and local community, setting a great example of dedication and leadership to young Girl Scouts within her Service Unit.

We asked Donna a few more questions about herself, her involvement with Girl Scouts, and the impact it has had on her:

How long have you been in Girl Scouts (as a girl and/or as an adult)?
I was involved with Girl Scout for 5 years as a girl. I have been an adult Girl Scout for 11 years.

What ways have you volunteered in Girl Scouts?  What has the most rewarding role been?
I have been a Co-Service Unit Manager, Service Unit Manager, Service Unit Cookie Manager, and Gold & Silver Award Review Team member. The most rewarding role is definitely being a Service Unit Manager. I enjoy being part of everything it takes to run a Service Unit, and getting the chance to work with so many wonderful volunteers.

In what ways has your Service Unit impacted your community?
Our Service Unit has impacted our community in so many different ways. We have worked with St. Peter's Hospital, Ozanam Family Shelter, Hands of Hope Food Pantry, Bridges Outreach, The American Heart Association and many more to help make our Scouts aware of ways to give of themselves to make our world a better place.

What was your favorite part about Girl Scouts as a girl?
As a young Girl Scout, I loved earning badges. I still have memories of my best friend's mom teaching my troop how to sew.

Why do you invest your time in Girl Scouting?
I was raised to give back whenever possible. My goal for the time I spend in Girl Scouts is to help girls of all ages recognize and develop their strengths while helping those both near and far.  As I watch the growth of the wonderful young women in our Service Unit, I know that along with the help of other volunteers, I am investing my time wisely.

How do you feel volunteering with Girl Scouts has impacted your life?
Volunteering with Girl Scouts has impacted my life in ways I never could have imagined. It has been, and continues to be a phenomenal learning experience, and allowed me to spend an incredible amount of time with my daughter. I have made friends I hope to have for a very long time, and learned lots of new things about myself along the way.

Anything else you’d like to share about yourself! (other ways you enjoy volunteering, hobbies, etc.)
I know it may be hard to believe with a Service Unit as large as ours (70+ troops), but I absolutely love being our Service Unit Cookie Manager. This year was my 9th year as SUCM ... that has to be some kind of record!