8 MAY 2021 By Melissa Hirschl In March, Junior Scouts from Arcadia Troop 4352 initiated a community service project that distributed a cornucopia of community-donated items to senior residents at Arcadia Assisted Living. The project resulted in the troop receiving the Girl Scout Cactus-Pine Council Bronze Award, the highest honor for Junior Girl Scouts. “The project was a comfort drive for the elderly, a demographic hit hard by isolation,” explained Troop Leader Rayme Ellett. The troop had to commit 20-plus hours of service to be considered for the Bronze Award. Ellett said pursuing the award enables Girl Scouts to evolve in leadership, personal growth and self-discovery. “I strongly believe in fostering an attitude of service, and I was looking forward to doing this project with them so they could have this educational experience of giving,” said Ellett. Donors included Arcadia neighbors, other local Girl Scout troops, members of Paradise Valley Methodist Church and Hospice of the Valley staff members. The seniors received practical items along with fun novelty items as well. Donations included socks, scarves, lotion, books, birthday cards and candles, Easter decorations, a large box of origami swans and positive-message bracelets. There was even a unique gift for the staff: 200 donated quilted hanging hearts that encouraged positivity and self-care for caregivers. Ellett said the hearts had tags attached with the message: “As you care for others, let this be a reminder to care for yourself.” The girls also created colorful no-sew knotted blankets assembled with donated fleece, and they spent time writing happy, positive messages in chalk on the group home’s driveways. The event took on a deeper meaning for the girls after learning firsthand how the pandemic had emotionally affected many seniors. “Normally, they’d spend time with family or go out to eat. During the pandemic, they could only wave from the window to loved ones,” caregiver Naomi Muraguri said. “This project helped the residents feel loved and connected to the community. It’s an amazing feeling to know children have done this.” UMOM Newday Centers, an organization that provides shelters for the homeless and other support services, also received some donations from the Girl Scout Troop. The Scouts gave 81 puzzles and seven board games to UMOM to provide entertainment to children and families living in the shelters. “I am proud of the group and myself as well,” Girl Scout Junior Siena Yonushonis said. “I realized that each one of us matters, and it would make a big difference for the elderly.” The Bronze Award virtual ceremony will take place on May 5. Arcadia Girl Scout Troop honored with Bronze Award Troop 4352 put together 28 blankets for Arcadia Assisted Living. PHOTO: JEN FOX Carina Pruitt. PHOTO: LISA PRUITT Your choice! FIRST ROOT TOUCH UP (Reg. Price $50) BLOWOUT DEEP CONDITION (Reg. Price $60) OR $ 40 * OPEN EARLY, LATE & WEEKENDS Sunday-Monday 10AM-4PM Tuesday-Friday 8AM-7PM Saturday 9AM-6PM *Valid for first time clients. May not be combined with other offers. No cash value. Expires 6/01/21 YOUR SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. COVID-19 SAFETY + SANITATION PROTOCOLS IN FULL EFFECT. 602-812-4134 azrootbar.com Schedule Today! CHEERS TO NEW Perfect match root touch ups, professional styles and blowouts, hair treatments to treat your hair right-- it’s time to get back to feeling beautiful, but spending less time and money to get there. +

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