SCOUT COOKIE SALES BEGIN

Continuing a long tradition that has become a ritual in America, Girl Scouts begin circulating order forms today for the organization's annual cookies sale.

The yearly fund-raiser started in the 1920s with the baking and sale of homemade cookies. The first commercially baked Girl Scout cookies were distributed in 1934.

Orders will be taken through Jan. 28. Cookies will be delivered beginning Feb. 27. Cookies cost $2.50 per box.

Cookie sales are an important financial source for the Girl Scouts. Proceeds provide funding for volunteer training and maintenance of council-wide properties and programs. Also, profits help local troops pay for trips, service projects and other activities. Also, it provides a learning experience to girls.

Locally, the Otahki Girl Scout Council in coordinating the sale. More than 2,400 girls in 225 troops are represented by the Otahki Council, which covers eight counties in Missouri and three in Illinois.

In 1995, area Girl Scouts sold 164,808 boxes of cookies, with an average of 84.4 boxes per girl. The top seller was Emilie Statler of Jackson, who sold 876 boxes.

Eight varieties are offered for sale this year. Thin Mints are the top seller, accounting for more than 25 percent of all sales. Other varieties: Shortbread, Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Sandwich, Lemon Pastry Cremes, Peanut Butter Patties, Strawberries 'n Creme and fat-free Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Bars.

Those who wish to buy Girl Scout cookies but were not contacted by a Scout may place orders by calling the Otahki Council Service Center at 334-7741.