Buy some Girl Scout Cookies for soldiers, first responders on Sunday

For the fourth year, "Ambassador" Girl Scout Lexi Rath, a junior in high school, and her seventh-grade "Cadette" Girl Scout sister, Katrina, will be sending a taste of home to U.S. soldiers around the world and to local first responders.

The girls, inspired by their 91-year-old grandfather who is a patriotic World War II veteran, have participated in the Girls Scouts- Northern Illinois Gift of Caring program for the past 8 years - sending over 400 boxes of cookies per year.

With a goal of 600 boxes this year, the girls will once again be hosting a "Fill The Duffle Bag - Cookies For Soldiers & First Responders" event from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 4, in the parking lot at Brar Dentistry, 300 Randall Road, South Elgin (in front of Kohl's.)

For every $5 donated, a box of Girl Scout Cookies will be sent to a soldier or hand delivered to a local fire or police department. As in previous years, Girl Scouts 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.

For the first time, the Gift of Caring program, allows Girl Scouts to hand deliver cookies to local fire, police and paramedic departments as a way of thanking them for their service to our community. The girls will be holding duffel bags in the parking lot of Brar Dentistry to collect donations - personal and business donations are welcome. joining the girls to lend support and thank donors. The girls can accept cash and checks made payable to Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois. This year, credit card donations can also be made at Digitalcookie.girlscouts.org/scout/Katrina962565 - again with 100 percent of the donation going to cookies for soldiers & first responders - no shipping costs and no credit card fees.

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.