For almost 100 years, Girl Scouts have sold cookies to raise funds. This year’s kickoff is Saturday when area girls will sell the famous treats.
The worldwide organization’s 100th birthday is March 12.
Scouts have been knocking on doors selling Thin Mints, Shortbread and Peanut Butter Patties and the like since 1917 to raise funds for service and action projects. Prior to 1936, Scouts made the cookies they sold. When sales increased they began using commercial bakers.
To commemorate the Girl Scouts’ 100th birthday the packaging on the Shortbread cookie box has recognized it as the cookie that started the phenomenon known as the annual Girl Scout Cookie fundraiser. The first Girl Scout cookie recipe was a sugar cookie which is similar to today’s Shortbread cookie.
Girls earn recognition on the number of boxes of cookies they sell with a $10 cookie credit for every 30 boxes sold. Girls may use the cookie credits to purchase uniforms, books and pay for activities. Troops earn 35 cents per box of cookies sold.
In addition to earning money for local troops, Girl Scouts learn how to set goals, money management and people skills through the taking of orders for the cookies, said Mary Meadows, service unit chairperson for Iola Girl Scouts.
For those who aren’t at home when a Girl Scout calls she will be leaving a note on the door with her name, troop number and an adult contact phone number for the placing of cookie orders.
Cookies are $3.50 per box and with delivery beginning Feb. 13.
