Mhays wrote:Because the specific needs are so critical, and space is at a premium, some food pantries discourage desserts.
The problem is, you aren't really funding the Girl Scouts, your money mostly goes to the profits of the manufacturer. No value is placed on the labor of the Girl Scouts, who aren't earning (on behalf of their troop) anywhere near minimum wage as workers for this factory, though they are solely responsible for turning the cookies into money. This seems contrary to the mission statement "Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place."
Again, if you like the cookies, their delivery service has value. If not, why not donate to support the troop?
I would also agree that there are more critical needs at a food pantry than cookies, but, I also know that my local food pantry that I donate to has many families with children and they they do appreciate getting a treat in their box when donations permit. When i was volunteering last year a woman told me what a 'wonderful surprise' it was to get a box of girlscout cookies since she wasn't able to purchase them on her own.
I don't think that anyone would contest that donating to the troop is a good idea. I think that it is also important to let children actively participate in fundraising. Handing over a check for an amount is one thing, but, putting in the time and effort and learning the responsibility of working towards a goal isn't a bad thing either.
At my child's school there are various fundraising sales through the year and the school earns about 10-15% of the total sales from these events too. I don't think that the figure of what is earned through some of these types of fundraising whether it be girlscout cookies or wrapping paper differs a whole lot. One of the more profitable fundraisers that our school does is a 'walk a thon' basically there is no over head, the child gathers sponsors, and just walks. That is probably our most profitable fundraiser
One Mint Julep was the cause of it all.