BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Girl Scout Cookie season is here, and this time the troops paid a visit to Compassion Corner in downtown Bakersfield for what they say is more than just a tasty treat — the cookies have a cause.

Girl Scouts of Central California South is home to nearly 9,000 young ladies. Today, the Bakersfield girls are on a mission.

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“We want to help people, like homeless (people) and animals, a lot of things,” said Shelby Brandt, an 11-year-old Girl Scout.

All of the community service is made possible by selling Girl Scout Cookies. But the girls say they don’t keep all of the money for themselves.

Milan Avila, 11, said her sister and cousins were Girl Scouts. She said she likes to help the homeless population.

“Sometimes we go out and buy stuff and we’ll make stuff for them,” Avila said. “And then we’ll go hand them out.”

Russell Statham, chief executive officer of this Girl Scout group, said the cookie sale is a big opportunity for the community.

“By investing in buying a box of cookies, you’re not just enjoying a sweet treat — of course, you’re getting an amazing, delicious treat too — but you’re really paying it forward for the next generation of future female leaders,” Statham said.

Even Ms. Bakersfield 2026, Trinity Garcia, came to show the troops some love.

“I’m really excited to be out here today to support the Girl Scouts because I love everything that they stand for,” Garcia said.

She said she has her favorite.

“Probably the lemons, but everyone’s telling me to try the peanut butter sandwiches so I might have to give them a try,” said Garcia.

And there’s also a new flavor, “Exploremores,” which is inspired by the Rocky Road flavor. The name is a nod to what the Girl Scouts do — explore the outdoors.

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People are excited about the new flavor.

“Anytime there’s a new cookie that comes out, everyone really wants to try it,” said Deveney Miller, a case manager for Bakersfield Angels and troop leader.

With everything the Girl Scouts do for the community, all they ask is for one thing: buy a box of cookies.

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