By Lexi MooreFund-raising keeps youth organizations afloat. Although most groups collect small fees from their members to help cover the costs of activities, treats and projects, they still have to find a way to raise additional dollars.During the upcoming weeks, two local organizations, Girl Scouts and Rock County 4-H, will be running fund-raising campaigns in the Crescent reading area.4-H "Fruit and More" SaleCloverbuds in kindergarten through second grade and 4-Hers in third grade and up will sell assorted boxes of mouthwatering fruit, along with popcorn, cheese, beef sticks, pickled herring and a variety of frozen foods.Supporters can purchase fruit boxes that include apples, oranges, pears and grapefruit. The prices range from $9 for a half box of pears to $23.50 for a full box of oranges. Mixed boxes start at $17.Last year in Rock County, 4-Hers earned a profit of $9,366. Four percent of their earnings, $374.64, helped pay for members of the group to attend camp, the state fair, and partially cover the costs of project meetings and day camps."When a 4-H member first approaches a customer, their knees may be shaking and they may be a bit tongue-tied," said Deb DenHerder at the Rock County Extension Office. "However, with a little experience they begin to build up confidence dealing with people. This is an important skill when dealing with the ‘real world’." Local 4-H leaders have been organizing this sale for over two decades. It provides 4-H members with a chance to build confidence, develop positive people skills, overcome shyness and keep organized.In addition to reinforcing qualities learned at 4-H meetings, members will learn to take time to make sure their orders are correct.This provides a good basis for the organizational skills needed in all aspects of life.When residents open their pocket books to the 4-H sellers, they are benefiting, too. "You will also have the opportunity to receive some nutritious mouth-watering fruit, or some topping-laden pizzas, or some delectable pies or cheesecakes."Products are available until Feb. 20. The delivery of food is scheduled for March 17.Call the Rock County Extension Office at 283-1302 to schedule a visit from a local 4-H representative.Girl Scouts offer a sweeter saleWhen Elizabeth Ranfranz decided her daughter would benefit from participating in Girl Scouts, she did not realize the costs that would be involved in being the Scout leader.Girl Scouts Troop 805 now has seven members, and the cost of holding meetings and planning activities continues to increase. The national Girl Scouts organization offers local troops one major fund-raiser per year – the cookie sale.Troop 805 began selling cookies for $3.50 a box on Jan. 27. The sale lasts through Feb. 15 and Ranfranz warns that the group will not be able to sell cookies after the cutoff date. Payment will be due the first week of March, when the cookies are delivered.The national organization promotes the activity of selling cookies as directly related to their purpose of helping girls realize their full potential and become strong, confident and resourceful citizens.Each chapter is given the chance to set their own prices. The group assures all of the proceeds they earn will stay in the local community. This encourages goal setting, money management and teamwork.The money earned by Troop 805 will help the group recruit additional members, improve Scouts activities, keep event fees at a minimum and sponsor special projects