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Girl Scout Cookies More Than A Sweet Tradition
The bar was raised last year when approximately 300 Girl Scouts in the area sold at least 300 boxes of cookies, totaling at least $315,000. As top sellers for the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, they were eligible to participate in the council's annual Girl Scout Cookie Challenge, a game-show style event that tests participants' knowledge of all things cookie related.
The event, held this past weekend at Monmouth Mall in Eatontown, was a chance for the Scouts to show there's more to them than just how cute they are in their little uniforms, selling such cookie staples, like Thin Mints, Samoas and Tagalongs.
The Girl Scout cookie program teaches girls financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills, along with safety awareness.
Money raised through the cookie sale also helps underwrite the cost of programs and trips. In 2008 and 2009, local Girl Scouts will be traveling to Europe, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Florida, with assistance from money raised through cookie sales.
After selling an impressive more than 600 boxes of cookies last year, 16-year-old Girl Scout Chelsea Parker is already looking to break her record sales from last year before the order-taking portion of the sale is complete February 3.
Three years ago, Girl Scout cookie sales helped her afford a council trip to Hawaii, now Parker has her sights set on a trip to London, Paris and Rome this summer. Parker is confident she can reach her goal.
"If you have a goal and really want to
accomplish something, you will," she said. "You have to look forward to what you're
earning it for and as long as you do that, you'll earn it."
This year, cookie sales won't just benefit Girl Scouts in the area; they'll also provide assistance to those in need. For the first time, customers will be able to purchase boxes of cookies for the Girl Scout Gift of Caring. These boxes will all be donated to the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. The food bank provides assistance to the working poor and others who need food in Ocean and Monmouth counties.
Approximately 40 percent of the families it serves have young children.
Whether you're looking to assist a family in need, or buy cookies for yourself, the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore encourages you to support their young sales girls and help them grow into women of courage, confidence and character.
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