This week marks the final days of the Girl Scouts’ annual cookie sale. It’s important for every scout — but perhaps especially for Troop 6000, which is comprised entirely of girls who are experiencing homelessness or living in shelters. Unlike most Girl Scouts, Troop 6000’s cookie sale covers all fees for the girls including trips, summer camps and other activities. The troop has sold more than $1.
Since last spring, about 60,000 migrants have entered the city’s Department of Homeless Services with roughly 37,500 people currently in the city’s care, according to the New York City Mayor’s office. So far, 100 migrant girls have joined Girl Scouts Troop 6000. “I’ve only seen this in the movies. This is like a dream come true,” said 11-year-old Laura, who came to New York from Colombia six months ago. More than 40% of Troop 6000 members speak Spanish as their primary language.