Cookies Empower Girls in Our Community

Front row: Emma, Allie, Mary Middle row: co-leader Kristina, Sarah,  Layla, Katelyn, Loretta, Troop Leader Michelle Back row: Alexis, Zoe, viper

Front row: Emma, Allie, Mary Middle row: co-leader Kristina, Sarah, Layla, Katelyn, Loretta, Troop Leader Michelle Back row: Alexis, Zoe, viper

When you think of Girl Scouts, delicious cookies often come to mind. However, for our girls, the focus extends beyond cookies. They are dedicated to reaching their full potential by trying new things, forming lasting friendships, helping others and the community, engaging in fun activities, and building a sisterhood within their troop. These principles were established by Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts, who started the very first troop over 100 years ago in 1912. This gathering ignited and unlocked many potentials for young girls across America.

Troop 21187 works hard to uphold these principles, helping members discover their strengths and embrace new challenges. I have witnessed this firsthand with my daughter, who has experienced a stroke and has autism. She has stepped out of her comfort zone and taken on challenges she never would have considered before. This experience has helped her grow, become more confident, and engage socially. Through her journey, I have seen the wonderful support and love that comes with being a Girl Scout. Her troop exemplifies what it means to be a Girl Scout.

Our girls have big dreams of helping the community, earning badges, taking trips, and going camping—activities that our troop leader, Michelle, and co-leader, Kristina, hope to pursue. The only obstacle we face is securing the funds to achieve these goals.

We are optimistic about changing this with our cookie sales this year. We look forward to using the money we earn to purchase uniforms, badges, and supplies.

The cookie selection is outstanding this year. We have classics like Trefoils, Do-si-dos, Samoas, Tagalongs, and Thin Mints. The Lemon-Ups and Girl Scout S’mores are back along with the popular Adventurefuls. There is even a gulten free Toffee-tastic in the mix.

Please come out and support Troop 21187 at our cookie booths. We will be set up at Kroger on Feb. 9, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon at 6702 Clinton Highway, and at Food City in Maynardville on Feb. 15, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon and from noon to 2 p.m. We will also be at Sam’s Club, located at 2920 Knoxville Center Drive, Knoxville, on Feb. 16, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon, and on Feb. 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon. Lastly, join us at Kroger on March 1, 2025, from 11 a.m. to noon at 220 Wears Valley Road, Pigeon Forge.

You can also contact me, Earleen, at 865-603-1200 or email me at eamnicely@gmail.com to place an order or make a donation. We hope to see you all there to support our troop. We are incredibly proud of each of our girls, who have such big hearts and dreams that we hope to help enrich.