Girl Scout cookie sale returns to area

It has started already, the traditional Girl Scout Council cookie sales.

Area scouts such those from Troop #3951 who were selling their cookies at the Rite Aid store in Wrightstown over the weekend; are among the many scouts taking orders and selling cookies through February 13.

There are an estimated 4,500 Girl Scouts in the Ocean County Girl Scout Council area alone.

The year 2000 Girl Scout cookies will be arriving in easier to handle compact boxes with more cookies packed inside. The motto is "More Cookies in Less Space With Less Waste!" Reducing the use of plastics and cardboard makes for less use of landfills and less use of natural resources. Yet, there is an additional Samoa, and the Lemon Drops and Chocolate Chip each contain an extra two cookies. All varieties of Girl Scout cookies are priced at $3 per box.

Cookies are scheduled to be delivered, and Girl Scouts will go direct to the public with Direct Sales, beginning on February 25 through March 12. Direct Sales, such as booth sales at local businesses, help Girl Scout troops reach their troop goals for sales.

For troops, the sale provides funds to support troop activities such as field trips, camping and service projects.

Cookies sales also provide funds to recruit and train adult leaders, organize Girl Scout troops, provide council-wide programs on such topics as science and careers and provide for financial assistance so all girls have access to Girl Scouting opportunities.

In addition, the cookie sale is a valuable program experience for the girls. Girls learn sales, marketing and business skills as well as some very important people skills.