Girl Scout cookie sales goals harder to reach

Girl Scout cookie sales aren’t quite as sweet as they’ve been in previous years. Blame the sour economy.

Marilyn Midyette, CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, said pre-order sales —- boxes sold mainly door-to-door —- constitute 85 percent of cookie sales or 3.5 million boxes so far this year compared with 89 percent or 3.6 million boxes last year.

Nationally, pre-orders make up about 70 percent of cookie sales.

“We’re trending higher than the national average but we still need help,” said Midyette, attributing the decline to the economy. “It’s clear most everyone has less discretionary income, but at $3.50 a box it’s still a very affordable way to help a great cause and enjoy a treat.”

Monica Anderson, a parent volunteer with the Soaring Spirits Service Unit in east Cobb County, said she has never seen it this bad. Sales in her unit, which includes Murdock, Shallowford Falls, Keheley and Rocky Mount Elementary schools, are down more than 10,000 boxes compared with last year.

“I’m hopeful but not particularly optimistic,” said Anderson. Midyette, however, said the Scouts are prepared to defy the odds.

“We have 620,000 boxes left to go to reach our goal and we’re counting on the Atlanta community to help us.”

Sales will run until the end of March. To buy cookies call 404-527-7500 or go to www.girlscoutsofgreateratlanta.org.