BELOIT - It's Girl Scout cookie time. It's been 90 years since Girl Scouts began selling home-baked cookies to raise money. The idea was so popular that in 1936 they enlisted bakers to handle the growing demand. Selling cookies helps girls develop important leadership skills and earn money for scouting activities.

This year's theme is "Going Places, Girls Take the Lead!" Scout cookie activities teach girls to navigate challenges, explore their world and lead with courage, confidence and character.

Girl Scouts will be taking cookie orders from Jan. 10 through Feb. 2 with delivery scheduled for the first week in March. Booth sales will be conducted from Feb. 28 through March 31.

Cookies offered this year are Caramel deLites, Lemonades, Peanut Butter Patties, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Shortbreads, Thanks-A-Lots, Thin Mints, and - new this year - Daisy go-rounds, crunchy, bite-sized cinnamon cookies packaged with five ready to "grab-and-go" snack packs per box.

Also new to this year's sale is the youngest Girl Scouts - the Girl Scout Daisies (kindergarten and first grade) - have been invited to participate in the sale. The sale will run from January 10 through February 2.

Call (800) 362-3226 and a local girl Scout will receive and deliver your cookie order.