NEW ORLEANS — As the annual Girl Scout Cookie Sale enters its last week of sales, Girl Scout troops are encouraging customers to not only stock up on Girl Scout cookies for themselves, but to consider supporting a council-wide Gift of Caring project in which Girl Scout cookies will be shipped to active duty military troops overseas.

“Our goal is to send one to four pallets (120-160 cases per pallet) of cookies to our brave men and women serving overseas,” said Yvette Hairston, Girl Scouts Louisiana East’s Vice President of Program and the Gift of Caring organizer.  “Girl Scouts are currently holding booth sales throughout the 23 parishes we serve, so customers can buy cookies for themselves as well as donate money for cookies for the military.  We’re delighted that Belle Chasse Naval Air Station has agreed to help us get the cookies to our troops.”

In addition to supporting troops overseas, many Girl Scout troops have selected local non-profit or service organizations such as the fire department, women’s shelters or local food banks, to receive Gift of Caring cookies as well.

“This year’s cookie program theme is Imagine If….We Could Change the World with a strong community service emphasis. Everyone loves Girl Scout cookies, so we want to make sure other worthwhile organizations can enjoy them as well,” said Hairston.

Girl Scouts are in the midst of delivering cookies to customers who pre-ordered them as well as manning booths in front of local retail stores. To find a booth location near you, visit the Girl Scout council’s website at www.gsle.org. Cookies are $3.50 a box, payable upon delivery. Proceeds remain in southeast Louisiana with a portion going to local Girl Scout troops to fund their troop activities and the remainder helping the council.

Anyone interested in supporting the Girl Scouts may call the Cookie hotline at (504) 733-8220 in New Orleans, (225) 927-8946 in Baton Rouge or by emailing info@gsle.org.