Sep. 28, 2026
Whoever said dogs are “man’s best friend” clearly had yet to see Girl Scouts support their four-legged neighbors. Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians is once again partnering with Young-Williams Animal Center to send BarkBoxes to dogs awaiting their “fur-ever” home while also supporting Girl Scout troops across the region.
Through the Girl Scouts’ Fall Product program, community members can purchase a $30 BarkBox to donate to a dog at Young-Williams Animal Center. Each BarkBox includes treats and toys to provide enrichment for dogs in shelter care. Proceeds from each purchase help fund the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for girls in East Tennessee.
“Through fundraisers like the Fall Product Program, Girl Scouts build important life skills while supporting causes that matter to them and their communities,” said Lynne Fugate, CEO of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians (GSCSA). “The BarkBox program demonstrates how even small but thoughtful contributions can make a positive impact.”
The Girl Scout-themed BarkBox is packed with goodies for pups, including a plush dog squeak toy and Berry Trio™ treats. The box also includes instructions on how dogs can earn Puppy Patches.
BarkBoxes purchased through Girl Scouts are offered as a standalone one-time purchase and do not require a subscription.
The BarkBoxes can be purchased for donation through Oct. 21 at GirlScoutBarkBox.org. Donors can select Young-Williams Animal Center or another participating animal shelter to make their donation.
“Community partners like the Girl Scouts help us continue critical care for animals at Young-Williams,” said Janet Testerman, CEO of Young-Williams Animal Center. “Through this program and the generosity of its supporters, our dogs receive enrichment and joy, and local families can support animal welfare and Girl Scout troops in a meaningful way.”
Young-Williams Animal Center is a nonprofit serving the needs of lost, abandoned and neglected animals and is the official intake center for the City of Knoxville and Knox County. The center takes in an estimated 11,000 animals each year and focuses on ending pet homelessness, promoting animal welfare and enhancing the human-animal bond.
BarkBoxes also can be purchased for personal pets through the Fall Product Program, so families can let their own four-legged friends join in on the fun. The fundraiser goes beyond tasty treats to also include items like Tervis Tumblers, candles and personalized stationery. These items are available for purchase directly from a Girl Scout through their personalized link.
Girl Scout troops across the region have a history of supporting animal welfare through volunteer work and community service.
Looking ahead, Girl Scouts will introduce their first Girl Scout Cookie® for dogs, Patch Pals™, available exclusively through online ordering beginning Jan. 12, 2027, or at the start of Girl Scout Cookie season in individual areas. Shaped like Girl Scout patches, Patch Pals represent memorable Girl Scouting experiences and give girls another way to share the Girl Scout Cookie experience with their furry friends.
About Girl Scouts Fall Product Program
The Girl Scouts Fall Product Program gives troops a chance to earn startup money, including funds for uniforms, camp and other activities. Products available for purchase include nuts, chocolates, magazines, candles Tervis tumblers and much more. Directed toward family and friends, the program also teaches girls to learn five life skills: goal setting, money management, decision making, business ethics and people skills.
About Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians
Girl Scouts is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, offering programs that give every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of entrepreneurship, adventure and success – whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for community causes or make their first best friends. The Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians serves members in 46 counties from southwest Virginia, through eastern Tennessee and northern Georgia. Membership is open to all girls from kindergarten through their senior year in high school. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors and millions of alums, Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. To join us, volunteer, reconnect or donate, visit girlscoutcsa.org or call 800-474-1912.
