In this episode, we talk with Jaime Alvarez with the Girl Scouts NYPENN Pathways Council about this year’s cookie sales.
Local troops from the Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways (GSNYPENN) Council spanning 24 counties in New York and two in northern Pennsylvania sold 1,437,162 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies during the 2022 season. Girls were successful in reaching their program goals during another “not so normal” year of the council’s largest annual fundraiser.
The 2022 program began on January 11. Regional goals were again adjusted due to the continuation of the pandemic for a third cookie season. Girl Scout councils across the country also faced unexpected global supply chain issues impacting cookie production, shipment, and delivery. The council extended its season-end date from late March to mid-April to allow girls additional time to reschedule booths impacted by supply challenges. All GSNYPENN Girl Scouts again had the option to take part in the program any way they felt most comfortable— online, in-person, or a combination of both.
“The Girl Scout Cookie Program helps local troops raise crucial funds used to further enhance their Girl Scout Leadership Experience,” says GSNYPENN CEO Julie Dale. “Our girls achieved their cookie program goals despite challenges beyond their control and those created by the pandemic. Their success is a testament to their entrepreneurial and leadership skills, and the continued support of their families, friends, and communities.”
Girls learn financial literacy, practice entrepreneurship, and develop essential leadership skills—like goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics—through their participation in the annual cookie program. Funds raised stay local to support Girl Scouts who use cookie program earnings to power experiences for themselves and their troops including but not limited to community service, summer camp and outdoor adventures, travel, badge work, highest awards, and more.
Sweet Support Gift of Caring Donations
25,867 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies were purchased by local customers through GSNYPENN Council’s Sweet Support Gift of Caring annual service project which helps troops give back to others while also supporting their program goals. Donated cookies are currently being gifted to local schools/educators and Meals on Wheels programs across the council’s 26-county service area.
The continued pandemic disrupted the educational system and placed huge impacts on teachers, administrators, and staff working to provide continuity under challenging conditions. Meals on Wheels experienced an increase in community members requesting services due to the pandemic. The network supports community-based programs across the country dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger.
“Girl Scout Cookies purchased for donation during the 2022 season provide a unique way to recognize and celebrate the efforts of our local educators and serve as a special treat for Meals on Wheels recipients across our council footprint,” adds Dale.
