Staff Writer

It’s that time of the year again.

The time when wallets slim down and waists get bigger because of those much-loved Girl Scout cookies.

Local Girl Scout troops kick off their annual Girl Scout cookie sales with pre-sale orders being taken Friday through Feb. 6.

Cookies being sold this year include the top-selling Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Trefoils, Do-Si-Dos, Striped Chocolate Chip and Pecan, Lemon Drops and reduced fat Apple Cinnamon.

They may contain calories, but Girl Scouts promote their cookies contain no preservatives, which makes them easy to freeze and enjoy them all year long.

Another plus this year it some of the boxes have undergone changes to allow for more cookies to be put inside, said Kristin Breland, leader of Troop No.1.

Girl Scout cookies are $3 per box. All proceeds from the cookie sales go toward supporting the organization and its programs. Cookie sales provide funding for many traditional and outreach programs. It also teaches girls the fundamentals of business, communication and finance.

Breland said the girls enjoy the competitiveness of cooking selling.

"Some girls sell a ton of cookies and some sell to just relatives," Breland said. "It’s really just how much they want to do."

In addition to the enjoyment they get from selling the cookies, the Girl Scouts also like the benefits they receive from selling cases of cookies.

Breland said Troops use their money in different ways, like a trip to Happy Trails Farm, parties and other special troop activities and projects.

Pre-ordered cookies are expected to be delivered in Troy on Feb. 23. Door-to-door and booth sales will begin at that time and continue through Mar. 12.

For more information about the Girl Scout cookie sale, contact a local Girl Scout or the South Central Alabama Girl Scout Council in Montgomery at (800) 239-6636.