Random Act Of Kindness Means Big Cookie Sales For Local Girl Scouts

Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Sisters Caroline Upchurch and Catherine Upchurch at the cookie booth.
Sisters Caroline Upchurch and Catherine Upchurch at the cookie booth.
Girl Scouts want to thank an anonymous man whose generosity took them by surprise—and gave dozens of people a sweet surprise of free Girl Scout cookies.

Troop 40029 had a booth outside the East Ridge Bi-Lo store when the man approached. But this was no ordinary sale. He bought all 70 boxes of the girl’s cookies as what he called “a random act of kindness.”

“When I heard he wanted to buy all my cookies, my mouth dropped open!” said Girl Scout Catherine Upchurch. “I was shocked, surprised, and very happy!”

Beyond buying out the entire cookie booth, he asked the girls to give every customer coming into the store a free box.
Not only were the Girl Scouts startled, so were the customers. Some were thrilled—others couldn’t understand why the Girl Scouts were giving away free cookies but were very thankful. Many insisted on giving the troop a donation.

“Girl Scouting is about building girls of courage, confidence, and character,” said Girl Scout mom Jamie Upchurch. “Our troop got a lesson in character from this generous man.”

The Girl Scout Cookie Program lasts through March 24. Customers may find booths near them or reserve cookies online at IWantCookies.org. The public may even follow in the man’s generous footsteps by purchasing Girl Scout cookies that will be donated directly to members of the Air and Army National Guards in Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia simply by calling 800 474-1912.

All profits stay within the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians to benefit local girls.

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