Cookie season is officially underway in the Sacramento region after a major delivery arrived at Sutter Health Park.Girl Scouts Heart of Central California held its annual “Mega Drop” in the Sacramento area, with multiple 18-wheelers transporting more than 780,000 packages of Girl Scout cookies. Troops and families formed caravans at the ballpark, where about 300 volunteers helped load cases into vehicles ranging from compact cars to large moving trucks.Organizers said the Mega Drop is one of the most exciting moments of cookie season because it marks the arrival of the year’s biggest shipment and kicks off sales across local communities.“For our communities, it means they are going to get their Girl Scout cookie fix. You will see them out in the community selling their cookies,” Linda Farley with Girl Scouts Heart of Central California said.This year also includes a new cookie flavor. Leaders described it as a chocolate-based sandwich cookie with a “rocky road” style filling and an almond component.While the cookie varieties draw plenty of attention, Girl Scout leaders say the cookie program is much more than the treats. They say girls learn decision-making, goal-setting, money management, people skills, and business ethics through the program.“When you are buying a box you are putting money back into the community,” Farley said, adding that it helps girls build entrepreneurial skills.Several Girl Scouts also shared how the program helps them grow. Seventh-grader Natalie Rubio said cookie sales are their troop’s largest fundraiser and have helped her improve her communication skills and public speaking. Another Girl Scout, Quinn Bernal, said selling cookies has taught her how to communicate with customers and handle money, while also helping her meet new people and take part in activities like camping trips.Parents at the Mega Drop loaded hundreds of cases into U-Hauls, SUVs, and trucks for distribution. Some stacked boxes high on their roofs to make everything fit. Mom Marwa Abbas said it’s all worth it to do this for her daughters because, “They love to learn how to be leaders.”Volunteers said the energy at the event reflects the impact of the cookie program across the region.“We are passionate about what they do, helping young ladies in the community start their own businesses,” volunteer Khai Rybon said. Girl Scouts Heart of Central California said you can expect to see Girl Scouts out in the community beginning Friday, Feb. 20.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Cookie season is officially underway in the Sacramento region after a major delivery arrived at Sutter Health Park.

Girl Scouts Heart of Central California held its annual “Mega Drop” in the Sacramento area, with multiple 18-wheelers transporting more than 780,000 packages of Girl Scout cookies. Troops and families formed caravans at the ballpark, where about 300 volunteers helped load cases into vehicles ranging from compact cars to large moving trucks.

Organizers said the Mega Drop is one of the most exciting moments of cookie season because it marks the arrival of the year’s biggest shipment and kicks off sales across local communities.

“For our communities, it means they are going to get their Girl Scout cookie fix. You will see them out in the community selling their cookies,” Linda Farley with Girl Scouts Heart of Central California said.

This year also includes a new cookie flavor. Leaders described it as a chocolate-based sandwich cookie with a “rocky road” style filling and an almond component.

While the cookie varieties draw plenty of attention, Girl Scout leaders say the cookie program is much more than the treats. They say girls learn decision-making, goal-setting, money management, people skills, and business ethics through the program.

“When you are buying a box you are putting money back into the community,” Farley said, adding that it helps girls build entrepreneurial skills.

Several Girl Scouts also shared how the program helps them grow.

Seventh-grader Natalie Rubio said cookie sales are their troop’s largest fundraiser and have helped her improve her communication skills and public speaking.

Another Girl Scout, Quinn Bernal, said selling cookies has taught her how to communicate with customers and handle money, while also helping her meet new people and take part in activities like camping trips.

Parents at the Mega Drop loaded hundreds of cases into U-Hauls, SUVs, and trucks for distribution. Some stacked boxes high on their roofs to make everything fit.

Mom Marwa Abbas said it’s all worth it to do this for her daughters because, “They love to learn how to be leaders.”

Volunteers said the energy at the event reflects the impact of the cookie program across the region.

“We are passionate about what they do, helping young ladies in the community start their own businesses,” volunteer Khai Rybon said.

Girl Scouts Heart of Central California said you can expect to see Girl Scouts out in the community beginning Friday, Feb. 20.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel