By ANNA GILGOFF

Special to The Press

Local Girl Scout troops are now selling their famous cookies in-person warming the hearts of customers with their signature products after COVID-19 forced sales online last year.

Not surprising, Troop leaders report high enthusiasm for the sale.

“This year, we’re so excited,” said Shannon Smedstad, Leader of Troop 650. “The girls will just bundle up and be outside.”

Troop leader Bambi Snyder concurred.

“My girls are also excited,” said Snyder, who leads Troop 6143.

The two Troop leaders can’t overrate the value of the annual cookie sale.

“It’s important for the girls to be able to meet and greet their customers,” Smedstad said.

“This is their small business they’re running.

“It’s important for the girls to be out in the community selling a delicious product. The customer and sales skills will help them in the future.”

Snyder, who has been a Troop leader for five years, couldn’t agree more.

“The girls learn money responsibility,” she said. “They also learn how to speak to customers, be respectful and helpful. Each girl sets her own goal, but we always aim for more than the year before.”

Last year during cookie season we did things online, Smedstad said.

“Many of the girls posted on social media,” she explained. “It was very challenging relying on social media.”

Snyder said that last year, they sold cookies via the Girl Scout link through Smart Cookies.

“Each girl also sold to family and friends,” she explained. “Our troop personally didn’t do any booths last year.”

Smedstad said it is important for the girls to have their cookie sales.

“It builds their confidence and skills, and it’s a fun tradition,” Smedstad said. “I’m a cookie mom. I’ve got a garage packed with cookies.”

The cookie sale challenges the winter blahs.

“My grandmother wants to know what the cookies are this year,” Smedstad said. “It’s a great experience for the girls but it’s something we all look forward to.

“It’s really cool to be a part of a century old tradition, a wonderful legacy.”

The Girl Scouts will set up booths throughout the Northwestern Lehigh School District at Blose’s Market, Katie’s Restaurant, Wannamaker’s General Store, the New Smithville Diner, Giovanni’s Pizza on Seipstown Road, the Mill in Germansville, the new Dunkin’ Donuts on Route 863, and at Star Plaza, Routes 100 and 309.

“These local businesses pull together people who are buying cookies and we’re so thankful to them,” Smedstad said.

Hours vary for each location.

“It depends on the booth but most of them will be open on Saturday and Sunday,” she continued. “[In most cases] the girls will be out there from the morning to early afternoon.”

The times and dates vary but if someone wants specifics, they can reach out to our email troop6143@gmail.com, Snyder said.

Supply chain concerns have not affected the Girl Scout Cookie initiative.

“We did not raise our prices this year which is awesome,” Smedstad said. “They’re still $4 a box.”

Those watching their waistlines can still support the Girl Scouts.

“You can also donate cookies to the Hometown Heroes Program,” she continued. “Each Troop decides where they want the donations to go.

“Last year, we donated to teachers, the Germansville Fire Company, Valley Youth House and Lehigh Valley Hospital.”

The Girl Scouts remain a strong organization that benefits all girls.

“Throughout the Northwestern Lehigh School District, we have 120 girls from kindergarten to grade 12,” Smedstad said. “We have a very dedicated group of leaders locally.

“I have two daughters in Scouts, and I was so thankful they could do things with their friends when we were shut down.”

The Girl Scout Cookie sale runs through March 13.

“I always say, if you know a Girl Scout, contact that girl and help them reach their goal,” Smedstad said. “It only lasts two months but it’s a great way for the community to come together.”