48 boxes of “Caramel DeLites,” valued at approximately $350, were stolen from a Girl Scout Troop on Park Street on February 9 around 11:30 a.m. Two troop parents were setting up a booth in front of Fikscue Craft Barbecue when the theft occurred. The troop is comprised of nine kindergartners, the youngest level of Girl Scouts, called “Daisies.”
Troop leader Melissa Perez, who has two daughters in the group, told CBS News the girls were devastated by the theft. This was the first time the troop had sold cookies in public.
“I think I need to discuss it a little more with them so that they can grasp the idea that something was taken from them,” Perez said, as reported by CBS News. “That made us feel pretty defeated as a brand new troop.”
The parents have filed a police report.
After the theft occurred, the troop packed up their booth on Park Street and moved to a nearby park.
The community responded immediately with an outpouring of support. “Alameda Peeps, we love you,” said Perez of the local response. “Thank you so much. You guys have helped us raise over $200 in donations. We appreciate you.” The troop is currently raising money to go on a field trip to Sienna Ranch to ride ponies.
Despite the negative experience, the Daisies aren’t giving up on selling cookies. “We’re working hard,” said Perez. “We’re trying to keep in good spirits about it. We’re living by the Girl Scout promise.”
The Girl Scout promise reads:
“On my honor, I will try: To serve God (members may substitute the word God in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs) and my country, to help people at all times, and to live by the Girl Scout Law.”
The Girl Scout Law is as follows:
“I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.”
The Daisies will be selling cookies on weekend afternoons at 2151 Buena Vista Avenue for those who want to show the troop ongoing support.
Originally reported by CBS News.
Kelsey Goeres is the Managing Editor of the Alameda Post. Contact her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Kelsey-Goeres.
