The Public Square

to you directly. Be sure to stock up, cookies freeze well. Visit the Girl Scout Cookie Finder at girlscoutcookies.org and enter your ZIP code to find a booth near you, to purchase cookies from a local Girl Scout troop for delivery or to donate cookies to local causes.

• Feb. 24 through March 19, you will be able to find local booths on the Cookie Finder.

Visit a local business during the listed dates and times to buy cookies in-person from a local Girl Scout troop. Girls are living through a transformative time.

For them, Girl Scouts’ mission remains the same: building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. Since 1912 Girl Scouts have risen in the face of adversity and worked to build a better tomorrow for everyone.

Girl Scouts develop the competencies, positive values and strong sense of self to do big things, as well as the grit and strength that are essential to solving both every day and once-acentury challenges.

Headquartered in Sacramento, Girl Scouts Heart of Central California serves more than 16,000 girl and adult members across 18 counties: Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Mariposa, Merced, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tuolumne, Yuba and Yolo.

To join, volunteer, reconnect or donate visit girlscoutshcc.org.

Battle Continued from B2 the winners of the cook-off and award the Best Culinarian in El Dorado County trophy.

All proceeds from the Battle of the Badges go to Snowline Hospice, ensuring that all families, including children and teens, get the bereavement support services needed when they experience the loss of a loved one. Funds also support the nonprofit’s veterans services, palliative care, a nursing residency and programs that help those unhoused in the community.

For tickets or information on becoming a sponsor or vendor or donating an auction item go to 911chili.org or email lheyman@snowlinehospice. org. Tickets will also be available at the door. Kids 12 and younger get in free.