Scouts go crazy for cookies

If you have a sweet tooth, then you are in luck. The Wantagh-Seaford Girl Scout Association will be selling cookies of all sorts outside of grocery stores and other popular spots in Wantagh and Seaford to raise money. Girls from Troop 3121, from Mandalay Elementary School, had fun handing out cookie boxes and dressing in their bright green vests outside of the King Kullen on Wantagh Avenue last week.

“We are selling cookies all month to not only help our troop but also help our council, the Girl Scouts of Nassau County,” Scout leader Lynn Morris said. “It teaches the girls responsibility, budgeting, goal setting and even how to handle money.”

With each box only costing $4, the troop of fifth-graders worked hard to sell as many as they could in just a three-hour time span. By the end of the time, the troop had estimated at least 100 boxes sold. 

“We give cookies to the local food pantries as well as sending the donations to the soldiers overseas,” Morris added. “DHL Express helps to send them over for free.”

Last year, the Girl Scouts of Nassau County united with DHL Express and were able to send more than 1.3 million Girl Scout cookies to the U.S. military members serving overseas. This year, they hope to beat that record.

“My favorite part of being a Girl Scout is selling a bunch of cookies so that we can go on fun trips,” Wantagh Scout Lexi Morris said. “I think this helps people because we use the money to help give to the soldiers. We help the community by being kind and just spreading our good ideas. 

“We also clean up the beaches and help run the local food drives,” the 11-year-old added.

Girl Scout Cathryn Popadin-Lesniak, 10, said that she will continue to be a part of the group next year because she likes being with her friends and buying lots of Thin Mint cookies for her family. “I like being a Girl Scout because after school we get to be together and learn about ways to help the environment,” Popadin-Lesniak said. “I really like helping the community.”

Girl Scouts from Troop 3121 and other local units will be selling cookies on most weekends until April 3 outside of various businesses in Wantagh and Seaford. 

“Working with the girls and watching them grow is great,” Morris said. “I love watching as they earn their badges and pins.”