Weather Wreaks Havoc On Girl Scout Cookie Program: Troops Need Public Support

It's one of the most highly anticipated times of the year, Girl Scout cookie time! Girl Scout supporters and the general public eagerly await the start of the Girl Scout Cookie program each January. But this year, winter weather has taken its toll.

Girl Scout cookie sales within Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland have suffered a significant decline this year. This loss in proceeds will significantly impact local troop's ability to participate in Girl Scout events, attend summer resident camp, and perform community service.

"Girl Scouts began taking pre-orders in January at the same time the first round of winter weather hit our area. This led to a significant drop in pre-orders over last year," says Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland CEO Anne Soots. "Winter weather has continued to wreak havoc on the direct sales portion of the Girl Scout Cookie Program with Girl Scout troops not being able to host their boots and customers unable to make it to the local businesses to support those booths."

In support of all the troops affected by the winter weather, Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland has extended the Girl Scout Cookie Program until March 16, 2014. In addition to funding troop activities, community service projects, and travel opportunities, selling cookies teaches girls five essential skills. Through participation in the program, girls learn goal-setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.

"We are asking the community to continue to support Girl Scouts and purchase an additional box of cookies," says Soots. "Buy cookies from local Girl Scouts at area booth sales. You can pick up a box for yourself, or participate in the Cookie Share program for our military."

This year there are eight cookie varieties available: Think Mints, Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Patties, Peanut Butter Sandwich, Shortbread, Thanks-A-Lot, Lemonades and new this year, Cranberry Citrus Crips. Cookies are $4 per box, with all proceeds staying local to support the Girl Scout program. Find a Girl Scout cookie booth near you by using the booth locator tool at www.girlscoutsmoheartland.org or call 877-312-4764.