SOLON, Ohio–You can check your e-mail, update your Facebook status, even buy a cup of coffee on your cell phone.
Now, the treats we wait for all year have an iPhone application: The Girl Scout Cookie Locator.
“A lot of times, when we go door-to-door, people aren’t home, and there’s no way that we can leave them a message saying ‘we were here and we want you to buy cookies.’ said Caroline Moore, a ninth-grade Girl Scout. “This makes things a lot easier.”
The free app allows users to find nearby Girl Scout troops or active cookie sale locations, like what you would find outside grocery stores.
“A lot of people are more likely to respond because they always have their phones with them, so we try to talk to people when they’re more likely to buy cookies,” Moore said.
The Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio sold 2.9 million boxes last year. But with the economy and cold weather, this troop hopes it’ll help their sales even more.
This year, the organization is also starting a pilot program, accepting credit cards at some sales booths. Girls also take cookie pledges online.
Technolgy’s helped bring the cookies to you, but it’s taught these teens a few unexpected lessons.
“It’s a fabulous opportunity for the girls to learn how to use all those pieces of technology in a smart and business-like way,” said parent and troopleader Carol Smith.
The girls are using money from cookie sales toward a trip to Europe next summer. Each of the 11 members of the troop must sell a minimum of 175 boxes each, contributing toward a goal of $33,000 for the group. As of now, they are half-way to their goal.
“We will be visiting France, Britain and Switzerland,” said Girl Scout Jenna Kurek. “I’m excited because I’m studying French and schooll and I’ll get to see the language there.”
The girls will meet troops from the United States and abroad during their 11-day visit. Places like the Eiffel Tower will be among their many tour spots.
“I’ve never been to another continent, so that’ll be pretty cool,” said Girl Scout Alexis Shobe. “I’m excited. It’s going to be amazing.”
If you are interested in ordering Girl Scout cookies, you can download the Girl Scout Cookie Locator app on your cell phone. You can also call the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio at 1-888-9-THIN-MINT.