Girl Scouts collect donations to send “Cookies For Soldiers” March 21

An eighth-grade Cadette Girl Scout, Lexi Rath, and her fourth-grade Junior Girl Scout sister, Katrina, are hoping to send a taste of home to U.S. soldiers around the world and in veteran's hospitals.

The Hampshire girls were inspired by their 88-year-old grandfather who is a patriotic World War II veteran.

The sisters have participated in the Girls Scouts of Northern Illinois Gift of Caring — Cookies For Soldiers program for the past five years, sending approximately 250 boxes of cookies per year.

With a goal of 500 boxes this year, the girls will be hosting a “Fill the Duffle Bag with Cookies for Soldiers” event this Saturday, March 21, from noon to 3 p.m. at Brar Dentistry, 300 Randall Road in South Elgin (in front of Kohl's.)

For every $4 donated, a box of Girl Scout cookies will be sent to a soldier.

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois works with Operation Care Package to include cookies in packages that are sent to troops all over the world.

Thanks to Operation Care Package, all monies donated go directly to the purchase of cookies, there are no shipping or administrative costs. The girls will be holding duffel bags in the parking lot of Brar Dentistry to collect donations — personal and business donations are welcome.

Soldiers from the recruitment center in Carpentersville will be joining the girls to lend support and thank donors. The girls can accept cash and checks made payable to Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois.

The girls are very excited about this “first-ever” event and hope to make it an annual activity. If someone wishes to donate but cannot attend the drive-through event or has any questions, please contact Mari Kaye Rath, their mother and Girl Scout troop leader, at (847) 373-9782 or colmkr@aol.com.