On Friday, July 1, local Girl Scouts presented a check for $6,280 to Dr. E.J. Finocchio, president of the Rhode Island SPCA (RISPCA). The presentation took place at the RISPCA's offices in Riverside. The donation will specifically benefit the RISPCA's Marvin Fund, which assists elderly, disabled and less fortunate animal owners who are unable to afford veterinary care for their animals.

Each year, Girl Scouts of Rhode Island, Inc. (GSRI) selects a local charitable organization as beneficiary of the annual Cookie Sale Service Project. Troops elect to donate a portion of their proceeds from the Girl Scout Cookie Sale to this charity as a way of giving back to their community. This year's donation to the Marvin Fund is the largest donation ever made to a Cookie Sale Service Project.

"The Girl Scouts are to be commended for their efforts and compassion in selecting the RISPCA and the Marvin Fund this year. Because these fine young women took the time to do something nice for those who cannot speak for themselves, they have made our community a better place for all," Finocchio said in a statement.