Although Valentine's Day was earlier this month, this past weekend might have been the sweetest of the year.

That's because Feb. 22-24 marked National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend, which helps kickoff the annual direct sale of the treats. While the end result for the consumer is a box or two of cookies, the impact that purchase can have on local scouts is large.

According to information from Girls Scouts Western Pennsylvania, the sale of cookies helps fund programs and experiences for scouts throughout the region. Proceeds from the sales support local troops and scouts. Stefanie Marshall, public relations and marketing associate for the Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, said many girls use those funds for community projects, including work at animal shelters and food banks.

Additionally, the sale aims to help the next generation of female entrepreneurs by teaching them skills to be successful, including teamwork, planning and a positive outlook. Selling cookies also allows Scouts to develop skills, such as goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics.

Patricia Burkart, CEO of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, said operating a cookie booth is a girl's opportunity to expand her community reach while striving to achieve her goals,

“This is when we see girls go beyond their comfort zone by approaching potential customers, looking them in the eye and asking for their support,” Burkart said. “It's these interactions with community members that build girls courage, confidence and people skills that she'll use in the classroom or on the debate team or, someday, during a job interview.”

Cookie sales run through March 17.

To find cookies: Visit www.girlscouts.org/en/cookies/all-aboutcookies.html and type in a ZIP code, or search via the Girl Scout Cookie Finder app.GIRL SCOUT COOKIE CHOICES- Girl Scout S’mores- Thin Mints- Samoas- Tagalongs- Trefoils- Do-si-dos- Lemonades- Savannah Smiles- Thanks-A-Lot- Toffee-tastic- Caramel Chocolate Chip