KIRKSVILLE -- The cookies are coming!  Beginning January 16th and running through January 31st, girl scouts across eastern Missouri will be taking orders for one of Americas favorite treats.

The Girl Scout cookie activity is the largest girl-led business in the country.  Girl Scout Cookies are a major fundraiser for girls and their troops across Eastern Missouri.  Girl Scout councilor Sue Barrett told KTVO how proceeds are used within Kirksville.

“Girls have been selling cookies for over 80 years and proceeds can go to a lot of different things.  Troops can use them to plan trips, pay for crafts, and even buy snacks” Barrett said.  “Some troops even use it (the money) to buy things for service projects in nursing homes and maybe child care centers.  Then some of the money of coarse goes to the council who provides our camps for us.  We have three camps in our council and they provide all the up-keep for them.”

All varieties are $3.50 per package.  The newest addition, Thank You Berry Munch, is made with real cranberries, white fudge chips, and crispy rice.  It joins seven returning flavors: Thin Mints, Samoas, Do-Si Dos, Tagalongs, Trefoils, Lemon Chalet Cremes, and Dulce de Leche.

Girl Scouts in Eastern Missouri will take cookie orders from January 16th through January 31st.  The cookies will be delivered beginning February 24th.  Girl Scout troops will sell cookies at booths set up in area businesses from February 24th through March 14th.  To find a cookie booth location in your community, beginning February 24th, visit the “Cookie Locator” by clicking here.  You can also call Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri at (800) 727-4475.