The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Girl Scouts selling cookies online
Leader says troop never faced challenge like this
Girl Scout Troop No. 50366 of Lorain is one of many troops that have seen their cookie sales affected by novel coronavirus.
Troop leader Kathleen Obermiller, who has been the troop leader for the past five years, said she’s seen cookie sales fluctuate yearly.
However, Obermiller said troop leaders have never faced anything like this before.
“Usually, the girls will have orders placed and they sell locally at booths,” she said. “But obviously, they aren’t able to do that this year.”
Obermiller said her troop was left with 300 boxes of cookies and they’d be responsible for covering the cost.
“The troop is responsible for paying for the costs of the cookies they order,” she said. “Luckily, we were able to sell quite a few boxes and have around 80 left.”
Troops are being hurt
financially with the loss of booth time, Obermiller said.
“The profits raised from cookie sales go toward what the girls want to do, like community service projects, camping and other activities,” she said.
Troop 50366 has 14 girls who are dedicated to the organization, Obermiller said.
“It’s a family and we have that kind of atmosphere,” she said. “As the girls usually get older, they tend to fall out of girl scouts.
“But our troop is solid. They love and care for each other.”
With its funds, the troop intends to start working toward its silver award, go camping and do a fun social
activity.
The girls are excited for their future activities and meetings, Obermiller said.
“Right now, we’re not able to meet and the social aspect has pretty much disappeared,” she said. “They miss each other.”
The Girl Scouts of North East Ohio have been very accommodating to troops and their leaders during this time, Obermiller said.
Previously, its website directed people interested in buying cookies to local booths.
However due to COVID-19, the function has changed.
“There’s a function on their website that puts people in contact with troop leaders who are selling cookies,” Obermiller said. “The council is trying very hard and have been super accommodating and helpful through all of this.” Still, it requires change. “None of us have experienced anything like this before.”