Girl Scout Daisy Troop 20074 is raising funds for earthquake and tsunami relief in Japan by making and selling small painted “Rock Buddies.”

The Girl Scouts gathered, cleaned, painted and decorated the rocks on April 1. The artwork now is available for a donation. The troop includes girls ages 5 and 6. Folks who wish to purchase the artwork may contribute as much as they like.

All money from the sale of the Rock Buddies will be sent to the Girl Scouts of Japan Relief Effort.

Troop leader Jennifer Richart said she wanted the girls to experience helping others in need.

"As the troop leader, I teach my girls that through serving others we realize who we are," she said. "I want their first response not to be, 'Oh that’s terrible,' when tough times occur but, 'How can I help?' and then follow through to help."

Whether it's big or small, every effort a Girl Scout makes to help others counts, according to Richart.

"Some options will be easy to do; others will take much more effort," she said. "Sometimes, the only thing these kindergartners can do is to make and send a card.  Other times, like now, we endeavor to accomplish something greater."

It’s the 100th anniversary of Juliette Gordon Low’s founding of Girl Scouts. In Low's honor, Richart said she challenged the troop to sell 100 rocks and raise at least $100 through their sales.  

"I know this might be a stretch for our rocks, and it is only a drop in the bucket for what is really needed in Japan, but I believe we can do it," Richart said.

To help Girl Scout Troop 20074 raise money for the earthquake victims in Japan, email Richart at gswpa.20074@yahoo.com.