Basically, Girl Scout councils east of the Mississippi River get their cookies from one bakery (with one set of names and a few unique cookies) and those west of the Mississippi get theirs from another. I live in St. Paul, MN (east), a "twin city" of Minneapolis (west). A quick trip across the river or a short phone call to a friend and I can get Shout-Outs or Thank-You-Very-Muches.
As for the amount that goes to the girls, yes, there are more efficient ways to give the organization money. But that is not the only point of cookie sales. Girls learn sales skills, learn to organize, count change and talk to strange people. My college age daughter still credits cookie sales for teaching her valuable things. When I buy cookies, I always make the girls tell me what's new, what they recommend, and what the money will go for.
As for the amount that goes to the girls, yes, there are more efficient ways to give the organization money. But that is not the only point of cookie sales. Girls learn sales skills, learn to organize, count change and talk to strange people. My college age daughter still credits cookie sales for teaching her valuable things. When I buy cookies, I always make the girls tell me what's new, what they recommend, and what the money will go for.
End of spiel.