Once again, it's Girl Scout cookie time and opportunity will be knocking on doors all across Pike County.

Eleven

Brownie and Girl Scout troops should provide enough cookie sales-scouts to canvas the county with the presale of the cookies more delicious than even the elves can bake.

And, with a national advertising campaign of young scouts smiling innocently accompanied by the slogan "Resistance is futile," this year's American institution and fund raiser will be hard to resist.

Janice McNellis, troop leader of Brownie Troop 185 in Troy, said her Brownies are already out knocking on doors and taking orders.

"We have eight different cookies to offer this year and, oddly enough, there aren't any new cookies," McNellis said. "Usually, there will be a new cookie on the list, but I guess the eight we had were so popular there was no need to add a new one. We do have one cookie that is low fat and we have high fat ones, too."

Each Brownie is Troop 185 has set a goal of 100 boxes to sell. However, some Girl Scout troops have set much higher goals individual and troop goals.

"Our girls are young and we think the goal of 100 boxes per girl is doable," McNellis said.

The cookies are $3 a box payable when the cookies are delivered probably on Valentine's Day.

"The cookies will arrive Feb. 13 and we should be out delivering them on Feb. 14,' McNellis said.

Those who are not fortunate enough to have a Girl Scout come knocking at their door may still purchase the cookies on booth days, Feb. 15 and 16 at Wal-Mart and Winn Dixie.

"We always order extra boxes so we will have cookies for the booths," McNellis said.

The individual troops benefit from the cookie sales on the local level and the South Central Alabama Girl Scout Council also receives revenue from the cookie sale.

"The Girl Scout Cookie Sale is the primary fundraiser for the Girl Scouts," McNellis said. "Our troop has a specific objective for the money we raise. They want to go camping. Other troops might use the money they earn for basic craft supplies and other activities."

McNellis said the funds that are designated for the Council are used to provide scholarships to Girl Scout camps for those who would not be able to go otherwise

"The funds also pay dues for girls whose families cannot afford to pay them," McNellis said.

The theme for this year's Girl Scout Cookie Sale is "Dream Big." McNellis said she would like to encourage everyone to support the cookie sale and help make the Girls Scouts' big dreams come true.