Local Girl Scouts Send Cookies, Support to Overseas Troops

Girl Scouts from around the Rivertowns are taking part in a rewarding annual tradition this weekend—Operation Cookie Drop.

"We expect approximately 75,000 boxes of cookies to be donated to our soldiers through this project," said Ardsley's Alison Bergman, the effort's volunteer coordinator.

Last year, the program brought in 71,500 cookie boxes that headed overseas to U.S. troops.

Each year, Girl Scouts also include handwritten notes and cards to thank the soldiers.

"Messages of appreciation, complete with photos of troops gleefully snacking on the treats, are often received in return," the Pleasantville-based Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson (GSHH) noted in a press release (see one of those above).

According to Bergman, "Ardsley Girl Scouts have outdone themselves with sales this year," while troops from Hastings, Dobbs Ferry and Irvington will also participate.

This year's cookie drop will take place at the Westchester County Police Academy at 2 Dana Rd. in Valhalla Saturday.

"Two large tractor-trailers, provided by BTX Global Logistics of Connecticut, will be loaded by hundreds of Girl Scouts, adult volunteers and area soldiers no longer on active duty," according to GSHH.

This year's deliveries will head to Kuwait and Afghanistan.

"There will be Girl Scouts from every location and donations were made by all Hudson Valley residents from all over," Bergman said.