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Girl Scout, Friends group propose pet-supply boxes at Greensburg library and county sites
Summary
A Girl Scout Gold Award project, supported by Friends of the Greensburg–Decatur County shelter, would place pet-supply donation boxes at the Greensburg Public Library, the county annex near the health department and, later, the shelter. Commissioners heard the plan and raised questions about upkeep; no county funds are required.
Elizabeth Walden, a Girl Scout pursuing her Gold Award, and Chris Ramey from the community group Friends of the Greensburg–Decatur County shelter presented a proposal to install pet-supply donation boxes at public sites in Decatur County.
Walden told commissioners her project will take at least 80 hours to design, build and post the boxes and that she plans to submit final paperwork to Girl Scouts of Central Indiana by April 1, 2026. She said the boxes would be modeled on small public 'Little Free Library' units and meant to provide short-term supplies such as pet food and litter so residents can keep animals out of the shelter when temporary needs arise.
Chris Ramey said the Friends group does not manage shelter operations but works to make the shelter’s work easier and that a local donor has offered to seed a fund to refill boxes if donations run low. Ramey described a recent case where a shelter worker helped a resident obtain food so she could keep her dog rather than surrender it. He said the shelter is currently at capacity.
Commissioners asked about box size, who would monitor and refill them, and possible locations. Walden said her uncle (a woodworker) will help build the boxes; she will check them during the first three to four months and the Friends group volunteers can assist afterward. Proposed initial locations included the Greensburg Public Library and the county annex in front of the health department, where other community resource boxes are already located; Ramey said placement at the shelter is a later-stage goal.
The presenters emphasized the project would be no cost to taxpayers and that they carry liability insurance and can provide coverage details upon request. Commissioners expressed support and encouraged the group to proceed toward the April 2026 target and to invite county leaders to a ribbon-cutting.
The issue was discussed during the public-presentation portion of the meeting; no formal county appropriation or ordinance was proposed.
