Girl Scouts Make Cookie Monsters of Us

Our tummies have been waiting patiently. That's right - it's time for Girl Scout Cookies.

This famous line of baked snacks officially goes on sale today, and while we're already eating a Caramel Delight in one hand, we'll use the other one to write about our homage to this epic creation.

"With every purchase, approximately 70% of the proceeds stays in the local Girl Scout council to provide a portion of the resources needed to support Girl Scouting in that area, including a portion that goes directly to the group selling the cookies. Councils use their cookie revenue to supply essential services to troops, groups, and individual girls," Joshua Ackley from the scouts' Media Relations Department tell us.

So how much will the girls raise?

"Between 198 and 200 million boxes are sold annually. It is a $700 million business run by girls."

Helping out never tasted so good. This money helps Girls Scouts continue to impact community. Some of our favorite programs that local troops have done include:

• Recycling programs
• Toy drives
• Haiti earthquake relief efforts
• Musical performances for senior citizens
• Clothing drives

Other facts that will justify that extra cookie

• There are zero trans fats.
• A girl who is not part of a troop can still participate in selling.
• Scouts can collect donations of cookies for troops overseas.
• All girls on the box are Girl Scouts.

We wish the girls the best of luck. Just save DoSomething.org some Thin Mints (the most popular cookie that rakes in over 25% of the sales).

What can you do?

We know you can't compete with Girl Scout cookies, but try selling other baked goods to promote your cause.

Going door-to-door is tough even after middle school. Follow these tips on canvassing and other donation tactics.