As we all hunkered down to flatten the coronavirus curve, there were unprecedented cancellations of annual events, gatherings and programs.
Many local organizations rely on a variety of fundraising efforts to stay afloat and without the ability to interact socially, many were significantly restricted.
Organizations like the Girl Scouts of Western Washington had to end its annual Cookie Sale early this year due to COVID-19. Because funds from the Cookie Sale provide programming and financial assistance to its members – helping many girls pay for camp – unsold inventory directly impacts their bottom line.
So this week Bartell’s announced as an extension of its Locals Supporting Locals program, it became the exclusive headquarters for Girl Scout Cookie sales in the Puget Sound.
“When we realized there was an opportunity for a partnership with the Girl Scouts of Western Washington, it was an immediate “Yes!”. The Girl Scouts’ annual Cookie Sale is their biggest source of funding and having the means to support an iconic, local organization made it an easy decision to join forces.” said Brent Beebe, SVP of Merchandising for Bartell’s.
Girl Scouts of Western Washington said it is grateful for the community support and partnership of Bartell’s.
“This is a first for us as an organization,” says Megan Ferland, CEO of Girl Scouts of Western Washington. “We’re a girl-led organization, and girls are our salesforce. We call them ‘cookie bosses; because they’re learning crucial skills like money management, working with people and decision-making that will serve them throughout their lives. But COVID-19 has put us in a place we never thought we’d be. Even though girls can’t be there in person at the stores, when you buy cookies at Bartell’s, you’re still supporting the girls we serve, and all the money is staying local. We can’t thank Bartell’s enough for their support.”
Bartell’s said by this weekend a selection of those coveted Girl Scout cookies can be found in all store locations and will be available while supplies last.
So get them while they last – Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Lemon-Ups, Trefoils, S’mores, Do-Si-Dos and gluten-free Toffee-tastic!