The fall product program sale is here.

Local Girl Scouts across Beaufort County are now selling magazines, snacks and candy as part of Girl Scouts Fall Product Program, a sister-program to the well-known cookie sale.

Christine Lynch, fall sales coordinator and co-leader of Troop No. 1016 in Chocowinity, has been the fall sales coordinator for three years. She said it’s a great way for Girl Scouts to learn how to handle money, and it also raises money for events and excursions for the troop. Her girls just traveled to Virginia Beach using their cookie sale funds.

“It shows girls that they have to work to earn the money,” Lynch said. “If they want do more elaborate things over the summer than they have to sell things in the fall.”

Lynch said her troop has already taken selling by storm, as the program began on Sunday, and some of the girl scouts have already reached their goal of 25 items. She said she’s seen a significant growth in participation and sales in her three years as a volunteer. Jodi Gilbert, communications manager of Girl Scouts of the Coastal Pines, said the program has shown in an increase in the past year regionally, as well.

“Last year’s Fall Product Program saw an 11-percent increase in sales and 9-percent increase in girl participation, which allowed girls to embrace their newly developed entrepreneurial spirit,” Gilbert said.

The program also allows Girl Scouts to give back to the community with a program called “Troops for Treats.” Lynch said instead of purchasing snacks or candy, residents can donate $6 to a Girl Scout and the money will purchase snacks and candy for soldiers. The snacks will then be delivered to United Service Organization of North Carolina, a nonprofit that provides comfort for troops at Raleigh-Durham International Airport and will provide military men and women with treats as they are traveling through the airport during the holidays, according to Gilbert.

Lynch said the girls enjoy participating, and it gives residents a nice alternative if they do not wish to purchase their own sweets.

“It’s a nice way of giving back. The girls like it because it makes them feel good,” Lynch said.

Snacks and candy can be purchased face-to-face or online. In-person sales will end Oct. 22, and online sales end on Nov. 12. Purchased items will be delivered around Thanksgiving, Lynch said.