Local girl scouts Jatie Colby, Lexie Donaldson, Alison Perry, Claira Stevens, Tabitha King, Sophina Bombard-Schmidt and little brother Ethan Perry delighted customers at the Warehouse Coinwash and Carwash with gifts on Saturday, Sept. 1 in Saranac Lake. (Photo — Nicole Reuter)

SARANAC LAKE — Patrons at the Warehouse Coinwash and Carwash in Saranac Lake got quite a surprise on Saturday, Sept. 1, as local girl scouts were on hand to provide gifts as youngsters were heading back to school.

The idea was to host a free laundry day focusing on back to school clothes so kids could look and feel good. The girl scouts, from troops 4026 and 4275, bought pencil boxes and filled them with supplies to give away, and filled two backpacks with supplies to raffle off. They also had two full backpacks donated to the by Cris Zervas to raffle off as well. Tops market donated folders and hair supplies, which they were also giving away. The day started out slow so the girl scouts changed course and offered money to everyone who came in to do their laundry. People didn’t know how to respond but were grateful and appreciated the girl’s effort.

The girl scouts hope they can do a similar day next year for everyone who comes in. The troops are trying to give back to the community to thank them for all of the support that is given to the Girl Scouts.