Hundreds of Girl Scouts, many from Greenburgh, were at the New York State Armory in Valhalla packing many boxes of Girl Scout cookies to troops stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Middle East. It was a fascinating experience watching them organize the boxes this morning.

I had attended OPERATION COOKIE DROP OFF shortly after 9/11. At that time some Girl Scouts, led by Alison Bergman of Greenburgh, organized the event at a church in Ardsley. Today, when I attended the event, the effort was much larger. Girl Scouts from the entire Hudson Valley were organizing and packing their favorite Girl Scout cookies. It seemed like many thousands of boxes were being shipped. Alison Bergman continues to play a major role in this very worthwhile initiative.

Some of the girls who were participating were very young (elementary school kids). Others were high school students. I observed the girls writing notes to the troops and drawing pictures.

It's the hope of the scouts that this operation will bring smiles to our troops who are serving our nation. They will feel appreciated. This program is also good for the girls because the scouts will feel connected to those who are risking their lives for our country.

I would like to recognize all the scouts from Greenburgh who participated in Operation Cookie Drop Off at an upcoming Town Board meeting. A terrific initiative! Thank you!

PAUL FEINER