Area Girl Scout troops are trying to send a sweet message to our armed forces. Over the next couple of months, they are collecting cookies to send to deployed troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“This collection will go on through March 30,” said Hilary Perry, the marketing director for the Girl Scouts’ North-Central Alabama Council. “Cookies collected to send to troops may be dropped off at any Girl Scout service center throughout North-Central Alabama.

“People may also purchase cookies at a booth sale, or purchase cookies from a girl and let them know the cookies are for deployed troops.”

Perry said collections may be taken at booth sales or when purchasing from a girl directly. People can call 1 800 410-8338, ext. 227, for more information.

Service centers are located in Birmingham, Anniston, Tuscaloosa, Gadsden, Florence and Huntsville. Service center locations can be found online at www.girlscoutsnca.org.

The Girl Scouts began selling the famous cookies in Demopolis earlier this month.

Voted No. 14 on E! Entertainment’s America’s 101 Guilty Pleasures list, eight varieties of Girl Scout Cookies will be on sale through March 7.

One new cookie is offered this year. Dulce de Leche is inspired by the classic confections of Latin America. These sweet, indulgent cookies are rich with milk caramel chips and stripes.

Other cookies offered include all-time favorites: Thin Mints, Samoas, Trefoils, Tagalongs, Do-si-dos, Lemon Chalet Cremes and Sugar-Free Chocolate Chip. Each box sells for $3.50.

“We will also be having booth sales around Demopolis between the middle of February to the first of March,” said Cindy Williams, the leader for Girl Scout Troop No. 331 in Demopolis.

If eager customers have trouble finding cookies near them, they can visit www.girlscoutsnca.org or call 800-734-4541. You can also contact troop No. 331 by emailing t_c_w@bellsouth.net.

Since 1917, the Girl Scout Cookie Sale Program has become a famous annual event that has helped girls develop important leadership skills they will use throughout their lives.