Oxnard : Girl Scout Praised for Gulf Cookie Plan

Alicia Johnson, a 10-year-old champion cookie seller, thought Girl Scout cookies should be part of the provisions sent to the troops in the Persian Gulf. So the Oxnard Scout called the White House.

“The soldiers are away from home, and the cookies are one of the comforts of home,” Alicia said. “I wanted to know if the cookies could be one of the provisions for Saudi Arabia. I wanted to know if Mrs. Bush would ask Mr. Bush about it.”

As a result of her call, Alicia received a personal letter this week from First Lady Barbara Bush, who is honorary national president of Girl Scouts U.S.A., commending the youngster for her concern for the troops.

“You were so thoughtful to call my office the other day,” Barbara Bush said, “and suggest that Girl Scout cookies be sent to our servicemen and women in the Persian Gulf.”

The arrival of the Jan. 31 letter to Alicia was a surprise, said Alicia’s mother, Cherie Johnson. “She was so excited she was on Cloud 9.”

Bush told Alicia she has heard about several Girl Scout troops that have already made efforts to send cookies to the Persian Gulf.

“I am sure they are greatly appreciated,” Bush wrote. “The cookies are a welcome reminder of home.” She also told Alicia that Girl Scout cookies are among her favorite treats.

Last year, Alicia sold 1,281 boxes of cookies and was named the top cookie seller in the Tres Condados Girl Scout Council, which covers San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. She has already topped last year’s amount, Alicia’s mother said, with orders for 1,315 boxes.