Crazy about cookies

Published 12:00 am Saturday, January 9, 2010

There’s just something umm-mmm-good to be found in the red, yellow and green boxes of Girl Scout cookies, and people will soon have an opportunity to get their hands on a box – or four.

There are three brand new troops of Girl Scouts in Covington County – each centered in Florala, said Marcia Whilhite, field executive with the Mobile office of Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama.

And they will have cookies, she said.

“We’re very excited for the girls in that area,” Whilhite said. “These are brand new troops – Daisies, which are kindergarten through first grade; brownies, which are second and third graders and junior troop, which is fourth and fifth graders.

“These girls are excited about selling cookies, too,” she said. “In fact, they are undergoing training (today) on that very subject.”

Girl Scouts of the USA is the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world. With the help of adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that serve them all their lives, like leadership, strong values, social conscience and conviction about their own potential and self-worth.

Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low, Girl Scouts’ membership has grown from 18 members in Savannah, Ga., to 3.4 million members throughout the United States, including U.S. territories, and in more than 90 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas.

In Florala, Joea McNeil serves as the junior troop leader, as well as a guidance counselor at Florala High School for the past two years. The family moved from Butler County, and her daughter, Grace, has participated in Girl Scouts for the past two years.

“The great thing about Girl Scouts is gives the girls so many life building skills,” McNeil said. “It teaches the things that serve them well in life, like how to be a leader, the value of being a good friend and giving back to the community.”

This year’s cookie sale will be the group’s first.

McNeil said residents can pre-order cookies now by calling 334-858-2978. Cookies will be delivered between Feb. 8-13 with booth sales set to begin Fri., Feb. 12.

“Right now, we’re planning to do booth sales at various locations throughout the county, so everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the cookies,” she said.

Cost is $3.50 per box and selections include the all-time favorite Thin Mints, the caramel, coconut and chocolate covered Samoas, peanut butter filled Tagalongs and Do-Si-Dos, the shortbread Trefoils, Daisy Go Rounds and Thanks-A-Lot, Lemon Chalet Cremes, the new Thank U Berry Much filled with cranberries, the caramel chipped Dulce de Leche and Lemonades.

All of the proceeds – every penny – from the local council’s cookie activities remains in the area where the cookies are sold and helps fund projects, trips and other activities for its members.