Despite setbacks, local Girl Scout troops finding new ways to help fulfill cookie cravings

Girl Scout cookie sales, like so many other things during the coronavirus pandemic, have taken a hit this season. The director of product sales for Girl Scouts - North Carolina Coastal Pines Kelly Griffin said "everything has been different" this year.

"We are dealing with less girls sell, less troops overall which automatically means a smaller sale," she said.

But it’s not stopping the organization from pushing forward.

"We've tried and offered plenty of ways to make it easier for the girls," said Griffin.

The organization has implemented door hangers with the troop's cookie information, online ordering and contact-less delivery to help with sales.

"Our online sales have tripled [this year], and we've still got a couple of weeks left," said Griffin.

The cookies sales have even been extended this year until March 21.

"We still have two weeks left, and we could really use the support," said Griffin. "We, of course, are in a down year which is a bummer, but we're hoping that we rally a bit in these last couple of weeks."

Success despite the setbacks

For Girl Scout Sarah Cate Parsons, a member of Troop 1437 in Fuquay-Varina, scouting during the pandemic has been an adjustment. While some smaller troops have begun to meet in-person again, Sarah's troop's meeting remains virtual.

"It's kind of nice going on Zoom, but at the same time when you're doing Zoom for school, and you're doing Zoom for Girl Scouts. It's nice to have that [in-person] social interaction," said Sarah, who hasn't seen some of her fellow troop members in person since March of last year.

Brianna and Allie White, members of Troop 4157 in Clayton, have seen support across the country for their cookie sales this year.

"Everybody wants to rally together and support the Girl Scouts. We've had a lot of extra thank you notes to mail this year because we've had so many out-of-town purchasers this year," said the girls' mom and troop leader Julie White.

Despite the new challenges brought on this year, Brianna has still managed to find success during this year's sale.

"I reached my goal from my cookie booth about a month ago," she explained.

Find Girl Scout cookies near you

The yearly cookies sales are a vital part to keeping Girl Scouts running, with 70% of the budget being funded by it.

"Everything we offer is really funded by the cookie program," said Griffin.

It helps to pay for activities like World Thinking Day, a worldwide event for the organization, and summer camps, a personal favorite for Sarah.

"I like being able to get out of the house for a week and be on my own and be more independent," said Cates about attending the camps around North Carolina. "They give you the opportunity to make new friend, and it's also fun just being outdoors."

Griffin said the camps are a favorite even for adults.

"I think [it's] the comraderie that the girls get to experience. We have a great group of ladies, a few men too, that work with us ... everybody comes together to support and lift each other up. It's just a nice environment to be in," she said.

Cookie sales generate more than revenue

The cookie sales aren't just about raising money for the organization. They also teach a lesson.

"The girls are learning during this process. They have five key skills that they learn during the cookie sale program. I don't even think they realize they're learning but they're setting goals, making decisions, [learning] people skills, business, ethics and money management," said Griffin.

Allie White says she's typically shy around people she doesn't know, but the cookie booth has helped her blossom.

"When I am outside wearing my vest and in front of a table with cookies behind me, I feel like I'm developing my independence and my leadership skills," she said.

"I enjoy the cookie booths because you get to meet people. You get to go outside, and sometimes you don't want to go outside," added Brianna White.

For Julia White, the organization has not only given the family time together, but helped them grow closer with others in the community.

"It's been really rewarding ... it's awesome to foster those connections and meet new people," she said.