It’s easy to feel helpless in the wake of disaster but, as the six girls of Edgartown Brownie Troop 80290 learned, equally easy to take action. For the past few weeks, Brownies Ellie Dolby, Kamari Edgar-Harris, Kylie Estrella, Kya Malone, Madison Palmer and Avery Simmons have been hard at work raising money to donate to survivors of the earthquakes in Japan.

“We heard about it on the news,” said Kylie. And after talking about the events at a recent scout meeting, said troop mom Erin Simmons, “The girls really wanted to know if they could help.”

Madison Palmer at socially responsible ice cream social. — Ivy Ashe

The Brownies spent an afternoon outside of Stop and Shop with their donation jug, raising $350 in the first hour alone, and took the jug indoors last Saturday for an ice cream social at the Boys’ and Girls’ Club. For two hours, the girls spooned sprinkles, sprayed whipped cream and squeezed chocolate sauce for their hungry customers. A sundae with all the fixings (including a Girl Scout cookie to top it off) was a bargain at just $3, although many attendees donated beyond the suggested amount.

The troop is giving all of their proceeds to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Because the ice cream and toppings were provided courtesy of the Tisbury Farm Market, every dollar donated will go straight to the fund.

“I think they are going to give them clothes and houses,” said Avery, “and food and water.”

“They’re definitely going to need medicine,” added Kamari.

For their efforts, the girls will also earn an ice cream social badge to add to their Brownie sashes.

“We’re pretty proud of them,” said troop mom Doreen Edgar-Harris. “I want them to understand the world community, and not just their own.”

The troop plans to hold a second fundraiser later in the month, although the date has yet to be determined. Until then, additional donations to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund can be made at american.redcross.org.