Maris Endsley from Belleville Designated a Gold Award Girl Scout
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Maris Endsley from Belleville, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by providing a free clothing closet that has a focus on community and environmental consciousness.
Maris loves fashion and has a passion for vintage pieces. While thrifting, she noticed prices were rising in this growing industry. At the same time, she also learned the impact that fast fashion has on the environment and the workforce that fuels that industry. Maris wanted to make a positive change that addressed all these concerns.
Utilizing space provided by her church, Maris created a free clothing closet for members of her community. She put special focus on serving individuals with fixed incomes, disabilities, or specific needs, ensuring the closet can provide much-needed resources for them as well. She collected donations, constructed fixtures, sorted and displayed clothing items. Now, the closet is open on a weekly basis to serve the community. In the short time it has been open, Maris notes that hundreds have been served through the clothing closet.
In addition to creating the clothing closet, Maris developed and shared a presentation about the global impact of fast fashion. She hoped to shift others to adopt a more sustainable and ethical consumption model where they donate, recycle, and reuse items. Her goals include reduced environmental pollution and improved labor conditions, both of which are greatly impacted by fast fashion.
Gold Award Girl Scouts become innovative problem-solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally. As they take action to transform their communities, Gold Award Girl Scouts gain tangible skills and prove they’re the leaders our world needs.
“I learned that I love working with and helping others; there is no better feeling,” said Maris, reflecting on her Gold Award project. “I have also learned that by putting one foot in front of the other, one truly can accomplish what they feel is important to them.”
Maris is the daughter of Christine Mitchell-Endsley and Ryan Endsley. She is a senior at Belleville East High School. Upon graduation, she plans to attend college and major in Business. Maris is a Trifecta Girl Scout who has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
October 20, 2025
