LIHU‘E — There are still a lot of Girl Scout cookies available for distribution, said Angela Hoover, the Girl Scouts of Hawai‘i Kaua‘i Island coordinator Friday.
“In response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 breakout, and recommendations from health and government officials, Girl Scouts of Hawai‘i has suspended Girl Scout cookie booths until further notice,” Hoover said.
“Cookie sales, which historically have ended at the end of March, have been extended through at least April 30. The pubic can suppport local Girl Scouts by purchasing cookies online, or through the new booth buyout program.”
The suspension of Girl Scout cookie booths, or market sites, have left Girl Scouts with a lot of cookies to distribute based on their projected goals set before COVID-19 showed its face in Hawai‘i.
“This (booth suspension) was a difficult decision for our council to make,” said Shari Chang, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Hawai‘i. “But our top priority is the health and safety of our girls, families, volunteers, staff, and the community.
“We are hoping to open up booths again sometime this season, but it depends on how this situation progresses. The good news is that our girls are continuing with their sales through digital cookies, so people can still satisfy their Girl Scout cookie cravings,” Chang said.
To be connected with a local Girl Scout, visit gshawaii.org/cookies. The cookie orders can either be shipped directly to doorsteps or delivered by a GSH troop leader or staff member.
Cookie orders can also be donated to local organizaations through the Gift of Caring program. These cookies will be distributed to organizations with health-care workers and others who are on the front line, including local military personnel overseas and the Hawai‘i Foodbank, which is calling for donations to help restock its dwindling supplies.
In addition to individual sales, companies and organizations can choose to purchase troops’ inventories directly by pledging $500 or more through the booth buyout program.
“Companies who choose a booth buyout will be helping Girl Scouts reach their goals by purchasing the cookies they would have normally sold this year,” Chang said. “Companies can choose to receive the packages of cookies they purchased, or they can choose to have them be donated to one of our Gift of Caring recipients.”
Girl Scout cookie sales, started in 1917, is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program for girls in the world. Girl Scout cookie sales help the scouts fund unique adventures for themselves and their troops throughout the year. Proceeds also allows the girls to give back to the causes they are most passionate about.
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
