Cookies For A Cause

The Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta swarmed Berger Allied Distribution Center in Lawrenceville Saturday to load up nearly 60,000 boxes of cookies to give to the American Red Cross. The donation is part of the Girl Scout council’s community service, Gift of Caring, commitment.

More than 50 Girl Scouts, representing areas within 34 counties, helped put Red Cross stickers on the cases of cookies and help load them into delivery trucks. Laurie Kimbrell, community relations officer for American Red Cross Metro-Atlanta Chapter, said the treats will be distributed throughout the state. “We’re really excited because the cookies will put a smile on our clients face." All of the favorites, including Samoas®  and Tagalongs®, will be given to families who turn to the Red Cross for assistance and used for snacks in shelters and volunteer trainings.

This is the first year the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta donated to the American Red Cross.  Rick Waickman, general manager of Berger Atlanta Movers in Lawrenceville, offered up the distribution center to store all the boxes. "When we were asked if we would donate our warehouse space to hold these cookies until they were donated, we said absolutely, said Waickman. "To work with the Girl Scouts Council is a big honor for us and then now to be able to work with the American Red Cross, two great organizations that do such great things in this community, it just made us happy."

Prudence Ingram watched with pride as her 9 -year-old daughter, Danielle, load up boxes. "It’s a great opportunity for the children to see how things are done and how to give back to the community… she gets to see why it’s important to help others.” 10-year-old Marissa Williams was glad to do the project with friends. “We get to help other people together, all us girls."

Sonya Milner, product sales manager for Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, said the girls were excited to help. “The Girl Scouts, we’re all about service and helping the community…we know that these cookies are going to a good cause.” Kimbrell said the American Red Cross is grateful for the donation, "The Girl Scouts is a great organization and we’re glad they selected us."