A Tennessee Girl Scout Troop decided to show their support for the troops. They never dreamed that their heartfelt actions would spark a huge local community response and result in 344 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies being sent to the troops in Afghanistan. The scout’s efforts began when they decided to sell extra boxes of Girl Scout Cookies to mail to the troops. Many individuals who bought cookies for themselves also purchased an extra box for the troops or donated money to the cause. Through this effort alone the troop had 80 boxes of cookies, which were mailed to Afghanistan along with other treats and goodies.
“Every time there was a box of cookies dropped in the box we were sending to the soldiers, I believed there would be big smiles on their faces when [the soldiers] got to eat a cookie,” said troop member, Bianca Benitez.
“It felt great helping people who risked their lives to save ours,” said Kira Ewaskiew.
A few weeks ago, the Girl Scout Troop was surprised to receive a package in the mail, with a return address from Afghanistan. Troop Leader Paula Squillante shared that her “heart was beating so fast” when she saw the envelope. “I didn’t know if we would hear back.” When Paula’s daughter, Alyssa, arrived home, they opened the envelope together.
“I was so surprised to see the envelope. I couldn’t wait to open it,” Alyssa said. The envelope contained a picture of the entire squad, and a note of heartfelt thanks. “Thank you so much for your support,” the letter said. “The cookies lasted only minutes, and they were delicious.”
“Thank you for thinking of us,” the letter continued. “We certainly think of all the folks back home.”
After their local newspaper, the Union County Local Source, picked up the story on the Troop’s efforts and the letter they received in response, another area Girl Scout Troop pitched in and they were able to ship an additional 264 boxes of cookies overseas.
Freedom Alliance was honored to aid in the group’s efforts by covering all the shipping costs of sending the boxes to Afghanistan. “Thanks to this organization, families of troops and all those wishing to send packages to our troops can receive help with the postage and handling,” the Union County Local Source wrote about Freedom Alliance’s efforts.
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