Girl Scouts selling special dolls
As part of its ongoing efforts to empower girls to believe in themselves, the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore are working with Manhattan Toy to spread the message that strong confident girls make great role models.

Manhattan Toy is the creator of Groovy Girl dolls. These hip, plush items are all the rage this holiday season and are now available for sale at the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore's council shops in Toms River and Howell.

"People are immediately drawn to the Groovy Girls when they enter our council shops," said Susie Mayer, director of customer service for the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore. "When they learn more about them, they realize these are more than toys, they're a great way to teach the personal characteristics that make girls strong."

The special line of dolls, dubbed Troop Groovy Girls, is part of a widely acclaimed family of soft dolls that help girls celebrate personal style, diversity and the power of friendship. The Girl Scout Promise and Law provided the inspiration for the initial premiere themes for the dolls - honesty, respect, caring, friendliness and courage.

These values, important to Girl Scouts and all girls, are expressed through doll names like Honest Hala, Caring Caitlin, Courageous Camara, Friendly Fiona and Respectful Roxy.

Each of the series' five rag dolls come dressed in a stylish outfit with a reversible Girl Scout sash. Accessories like a sleeping bag and a tent are also available. The highlight of the collection is a 40-inch super-size doll.

The Girl Scout Council Shop in Monmouth County is at the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore's Monmouth Service Center, 242 Adelphia Road (Route 524), Howell.

The shop in Ocean County is at the Ocean Service Center, 1405 Old Freehold Road, Toms River.

For information about the Troop Groovy Girl dolls that are available, call the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore at (800) 785-2090