COLUMBIA — Friday has been proclaimed National Girl Scout Cookie Day by all 112 councils across the country to celebrate the world’s largest girl-led business which brings in revenue of $790 million and which sells to 50 million cookie fans. All the revenue earned from cookie activities – every penny after paying the baker – stays with the local Girl Scout Council that sponsors the sale.

For those who didn’t have a Girl Scout knocking on their door recently to take a cookie order, there will be another opportunity beginning Friday in recognition of National Girl Scout Cookie Day. On that day and through March 18, any girl member in the Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands’ council wearing her uniform or Girl Scout T-shirt will have a form with her ready to take orders.

Friday will also be an opportunity to reflect on the fact that in addition to being a fund-raiser, the Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches girls five essential life skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, business ethics, and people skills.

Cookies will be delivered in late February. In addition, customers can buy directly from Girl Scouts on weekends from Feb. 22 through March 18 at participating local retailers such as Bi-Lo, K-Mart, Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, Walmart, and other area businesses.

For additional information log onto www.girlscouts.org or call 1-803-240-8213.