Local Girl Scouts troops have started this year’s sales of their sought-after cookies.

Troops in Jemison, Thorsby and Clanton kicked off their in-person sales Jan. 1, and they will begin booth sales Jan. 25 at various businesses throughout the county each weekend through March 3.

Troops will be stationed at Piggly Wiggly in Jemison on Sunday, Jan. 27 from 1-3:30 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 2 and Saturday, Feb. 16 from 1-3:30 p.m.

Troops will be stationed at Winn-Dixie and Walmart in Clanton on Friday, Jan. 25 from 3:30-6 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., as well as Feb. 2 from 3:30-6 p.m.

Cookies offered this year are the same as last year’s selection and include Dulce de Leche, Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Trefoils, Do-Si-Dos, Thank You Berry Munch and Savannah Smiles, according to Stacey Miles of Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program was created in 1917 and is now the nation’s largest girl-led business and the leading financial literacy program for girls.

It is designed for girls in kindergarten through 12th grade as part of the Girl Scout leadership experience to help participants develop skills including goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics.

Troops use proceeds from cookie sales to fund service projects in their communities or to plan a field trip.

The “Cookies on the Go” weekend during which local troops will be selling to area neighborhoods is scheduled for Jan. 18-20.

To find the nearest booth sale elsewhere, go to http://cookielocator.littlebrownie.com/.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Miles at smiles@girlscoutsnca.org or 205-453-9527.

Those interested in joining Girl Scouts should contact Service Area Cookie Manager Selah McBride at 205-668-0951.

For more information, call Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama at 1-800-734-4541 or McBride at 205-668-0951.