Inside a South Side veteran housing development, members of the Englewood Girl Scouts are working to sell 2,100 boxes of cookies before March 11 in order to keep their troop active. The group, which was founded in 2021 by Lauren Hightower when there was no local troop, is made up largely of girls who are daughters or relatives of veterans living at Hope Manor II and Hope Manor Village.
The troop set an individual goal for each member to sell 225 boxes. Funds from these sales will help pay for membership fees, field trips, excursions, and other activities throughout the year. Achieving the sales target is also necessary for continued recognition by Girl Scouts USA.
While some members have met their goals, others are facing challenges as neighbors struggle with limited budgets. As of February 3, the group had sold 918 boxes.
Neighbors can support the effort by buying cookies locally or placing online orders for delivery to their homes.
“The girls need positive role models and a safe space to flourish in their girlhood and learn how to be sisters,” said Hightower. “We want them to be exposed to opportunities outside of their neighborhood and meet successful women who inspire them to be the best version of themselves.”
Hightower noted that having a Girl Scout troop within veteran housing has provided benefits both for residents and scouts. Veterans get regular interaction with younger people, which helps reduce isolation linked to health issues or loss of family members. Meanwhile, the girls have an opportunity to “honor the people who have served our country and learn to respect their sacrifice” while developing entrepreneurial skills.
The scouts not only sell cookies within the housing developments but also donate boxes to veterans as part of efforts “to spread some hope and some cheer,” Hightower said.
“One of the things we stress to them is empathy and learning to serve others and give back the way they’ve been given opportunities,” she added.
Since its founding with about 15 members in 2021, troop membership has grown beyond 30 girls from both veteran housing communities and local elementary schools. Demand has increased enough that a second troop may soon start at Nicholson STEM Academy.
Sixth-grader Jayde Pillot joined after attending Nicholson STEM Academy in Englewood. She said selling cookies taught her how “to feel more open about myself” as well as money management skills. However, she noted that sales have sometimes been slow because people say prices are high.
“I want the girls to find their passion when selling their cookies and become successful businesswomen,” Jayde said.
Hightower emphasized her hopes for continued growth: “I hope that the girls take this entrepreneurship further into their lives and go from selling cookies to becoming successful business owners.”
