Good news for cookie fans — Girl Scouts in Colorado are extending sales of their beloved sweet treats through March 21.
“Due to the challenges of running a business during a pandemic, Girl Scout councils around the nation are extending their cookie programs, and (Girl Scouts of Colorado) wanted to give our girls the same opportunity to take more time to meet and exceed their goals,” Girl Scouts of Colorado stated in a news release sent Friday. “This added time will also give Girl Scouts who may have gotten a slower start or did not start their season in January a chance to reach their goals.”
Technology is key to 2021 cookie sales, with Girl Scouts creating websites using the Digital Cookie platform to take online orders, AnneMarie Harper, public relations director for Girl Scouts of Colorado, said last month.
Cookies can be purchased from a local troop at www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/cookies, and the Girl Scouts cookie finder tool also can help people track down locations to find them in person. A search of the 80501 ZIP code found 25 locations at which cookies can be purchased today through Sunday.
The Cookie Finder app is available on iOS or Android, and a text to 59618 also will direct people to virtual or drive-thru cookie booths
In addition, Girl Scouts have employed other creative high-tech ways to make sales, such as making door hangers with QR codes that can be scanned to place an order.
“We all know the challenges of operating a business during a pandemic, and I’ve been thrilled to see the innovative and creative ways Girl Scouts have met that challenge and run their cookie businesses safely,” Girl Scouts of Colorado CEO Leanna Clark stated in the release. “We decided we should make a change, too, and allow Girl Scouts and troops more time to deliver that comforting taste of ‘normal’ to their customers this year. Support a Girl Scout or troop near you while they learn about entrepreneurship and make a difference with every box.”
Money raised from cookie sales supports projects of local troops’ choosing, Harper said last month. Troops can use the proceeds to pay for travel, service projects, supplies for activities — “anything they want to do together, they can use cookie money for that,” she said
But the value of selling cookies goes beyond the money raised. It also helps girls as young as kindergarten build people skills through selling, learn budgeting and marketing, and set goals, Harper said.
“The cookie program is vitally important for so many reasons,” she said. “... They learn how to talk to people, learn how to work together as a team, to set a goal that is reasonable and work together to meet that goal.”
This year’s cookie choices include Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Trefoils, Dos-si-Dos, and Lemon-Ups for $4 a package, and S’mores and gluten-free Toffee-tastic for $5.
People who have to pass on cookies of their own or who end up purchasing more boxes than they need can buy a box or two for local nonprofits or first responders through the Girl Scouts’ Gift of Caring and Hometown Heroes programs. Donated boxes are delivered at the end of the cookie program.
.jpg;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)
