In an inspiring initiative, Troop 6000, a Girl Scout troop dedicated to girls residing in New York City’s homeless shelters, has successfully launched its first-ever cookie sale. Established in 2017, this unique troop is composed entirely of girls living within the NYC Shelter System, offering them a chance to learn valuable skills while contributing to their community.
One of the troop’s founding members, 12-year-old Mia, shared her experience of homelessness, stating, “I never thought I’d find myself in this situation. You always hear about it, but you don’t expect it to happen to you.” Mia and her fellow scouts set an ambitious target of selling 6,000 boxes of cookies this year—and they have already exceeded that goal! As word spreads about their efforts, the demand for their cookies continues to rise. For those interested in supporting this remarkable cause while satisfying their sweet tooth, cookies can be purchased online.
Troop 6000 is aiming to expand its reach this year, with plans to serve 500 girls and women across 15 different sites in New York. Many members currently reside in a hotel that functions as a shelter in Long Island City, Queens. Reflecting on her time in a shelter, Mia remarked, “It was kind of scary at first. I was only 11, and the environment was very limiting. You couldn’t leave the room for long.” It’s difficult to fathom the daily challenges these girls face, yet for Mia and others, Girl Scouts provides a much-needed escape—serving as a source of friendship, mentorship, and personal growth.
“Every girl in New York City deserves the chance to reach her full potential, to explore educational and career opportunities, to build supportive friendships, and to learn from inspiring female role models,” stated a representative from the Girl Scouts of Greater New York. Mia added, “Girl Scouts has taught me that I can be who I want to be, regardless of my age or gender. I can achieve my dreams without any limitations.”
For those not in the market for sweets, donations to Troop 6000 are welcomed and can significantly impact these girls’ lives. If you’re curious about more family-oriented topics or perhaps interested in at-home insemination options, check out this insightful post on artificial insemination kits here.
In summary, Troop 6000 is a powerful example of resilience and empowerment, proving that even in adversity, young girls can come together to create positive change. Their cookie sale not only supports their troop but also raises awareness about the realities of homelessness faced by girls in NYC.