Girls use cookie program proceeds to set up food pantry

Knoxville, Tennessee (August 22, 2007):  A 53-foot tractor-trailer full of food is about to roll into Dandridge, paid for by a Girl Scout troop.

Troop 989 is spending money from their troop treasury to bring the 18,000 pounds of food and other necessities to their community when it’s needed most.   

“We want to help people who are spending money to send their kids back to school,” says troop leader Debbie Booth.  “We know this is an expensive time of year for families.” 

The Girl Scouts will distribute the canned food, dairy and produce, along with personal hygiene products and cleaning supplies to their neighbors Saturday, August 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside Cedar Creek Countertops, 911 Industrial Park Road, Dandridge.     

Troop 989 is made up of elementary-age Girl Scouts who built their troop treasury largely through a successful cookie program.  In fact, three troop members sold more than 1,000 boxes of cookies this spring.  The girls are excited to use the food pantry as a way to give back to a supportive community. 

Service to others is a cornerstone of Girl Scouting, and Tanasi Council Girl Scouts often give part of their treasuries to a charity or good cause of their choice.  The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.   

Girl Scouts are purchasing the food from Second Harvest Food Bank, headquartered in Knoxville.  Through community support, Second Harvest’s Mobile Pantry program allows non-profit agencies to receive a tractor-trailer load or half load at a minimal distribution fee. 

About Girl Scouts of Tanasi Council: Girl Scouts of Tanasi Council is based in Knoxville, Tennessee, and serves more than 10,000 girls in 16 East Tennessee counties.  Additionally, 3,500 volunteers deliver the Girl Scout program.  Since its founding in 1912, Girl Scouts has offered remarkable opportunities for girls to develop positive values and contribute to society as leaders, thinkers and responsible citizens.  Girl Scouts is open to all girls ages 5-17.  Financial assistance is always available to ensure that every girl can become a Girl Scout.  To join or volunteer, please call (865) 688-9440.

Media contact: Sarah Callahan, director of communications, (865) 688-9440.