Everyone’s favorite season is finally back. Over the weekend, more than 444,348 packages of Girl Scout cookies were transported from the shelves of Paul Arpin Van Lines warehouses to customers in Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts and Pawcatuck, Conn., officially kicking off the Girl Scouts cookie sale season in southeastern New England.

Thin Mints, the most popular Girl Scout cookie, will be sold along with Peanut Butter Patties, Lemonades, Thanks-A-Lots, Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Shortbreads, and Cranberry Citrus Crisps for $4 per package. Once again, the gluten free “Trios” will be available on a limited basis for $5 per package. This year, Girl Scouts is celebrating one hundred years of Girl Scouts selling cookies and will celebrate the anniversary with the introduction of a brand new cookie – the S’mores.

"This year we are especially thrilled to share that it is the centennial anniversary of Girl Scouts selling cookies. The Girl Scout cookie program is the largest girl led business in the world, and for 100 years our program has empowered girls through the five essentials skills - goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics - to become leaders of tomorrow,” said Ginger Lallo, Senior Vice President of Advancement at Girl Scouts in a statement. “We are proud to say that all of the proceeds from the cookie sale remain in our local communities to support programs and troop activities."

Proceeds from Girl Scout Cookie sales remain in the local area – Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts and Pawcatuck – and provide support for recruitment and training of volunteer leaders, outdoor programs and troop camping, camp and property maintenance, and educational programs. Troops use their proceeds for trips, events, and have the option to donate a portion of their proceeds to a community service project.

The beneficiary of the 2017 Cookie Sale Service Project is Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI). The mission of OSDRI is to help veterans secure stable housing and employment as well as other assistance.

"I have only been to a few Girl Scout events so far and already the energy is contagious. We are proud to partner with a great organization and such great kids,” said Erik Wallin, Executive Director at OSDRI. “OSDRI is thankful for the opportunity to be a part of such an iconic initiative, Girl Scout cookie sales. We look forward to continuing to work with the Girl Scouts and building our partnership."

GSSNE has specifically designated the U.S. Marine CPT Holly Charette Home in Johnston to be the beneficiary of the 2017 Cookie Sale Community Service Project. The U.S. Marine CPT Holly Charette Home was opened in July 2010 and is Rhode Island’s only transitional housing option for homeless female veterans. The home is dedicated to Marine CPL Holly Charette who was killed on June 23, 2005 when her convoy was struck by a suicide bomber in the Anbar province of Fallujah, Iraq. Hailing from Cranston, Marine CPL Charette is Rhode Island’s first female killed in Iraq. For more information visit osdri.org.

The $760 million Girl Scout Cookie Program is the country’s largest girl-led business. It helps girls develop financial, leadership and life skills, including goal setting, money management, people skills, business ethics, and decision-making. In fact, many successful businesswomen today say they got their start selling Girl Scout cookies. Along with sales to friends and family, local Girl Scouts will begin selling cookies at booth locations outside grocery stores and other retail locations. Booth sales generally take place through the end of March. Cookie lovers may find a nearby booth sale with ease by downloading the official Girl Scout Cookie Finder mobile app, available on iTunes or Google Play, or at www.gssne.org. GSSNE is also hosting a “Cookies and Cocktails” event tonight from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Citizens Rotunda in downtown Providence. Mario Hilario will emcee the event and attendees will be treated to hors d’oeuvres, a complimentary glass of wine, Girl Scout Cookie “creations,” and opportunities to bid on live and silent auction items. Visit www.gssne.org for tickets and information.