By Tegan Kralio
Girls Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois are preparing for annual cookie sales in Muscatine County, and are looking forward to the community’s support.
They held a cookie rally in January, and began taking orders two days later.
“The rally is more about getting the girls ready, teaching them the skills to sell the cookies and getting them excited about it,” said Melissa McNally, Unit Service Director of Muscatine County Girl Scouts. These skills include goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics.
Customers can look forward to favorites like Thin Mints, Samoas, and Trefoils, but this year introduces a new Girl Scout cookie nationally as well. Called Lemon-Ups, the crispy lemon cookies are baked with eight different positive messages like “I am a go-getter” and “I am an innovator.”
McNally is proud of her troop of go-getter innovators, whose cookie sale goals range from 250, 300, 500, and even 1000 cookies.
“It’s really rewarding for me,” said McNally. “It’s rewarding for them when they reach those goals. And every year, they set their goals a little higher. It’s been good to see them grow in building their goal setting skills.”
Proceeds support the local Girl Scout troops who sold the cookies, and funds things such as events where the girls earn their badges, or for day camps and overnight camps. It also supports any local organizations they have chosen, which means it’s directly and positively affecting the community. Additionally, it can benefit the military.
Customers can donate a box of cookies to the Care to Share program, and all of the proceeds there will go directly to Soldier’s Angels and Riverbend Troop Support. Both of these send care packages to aid and comfort soldiers and veterans.
“I want [the community] to know that the girls are learning more than just selling a box of cookies,” McNally said. “They’re learning people skills, how to count money, how to set goals…
As a troop leader I’m excited for them, it’s a good feeling because they’ve worked so hard to reach those goals.”
Local cookie booth locations will be at both Hy-vee locations, Wal-Mart, Blain’s, Fareway, Shoe Sensation, and Joann Fabric. Sales will began on Valentine’s Day and continue until March 22. Care to Share program donation to support military troops are $4 a box.
