ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Giving back to the community is a core value of the Girl Scouts of Alaska, and Troop 1050 has taken that mission to heart in a big way.
Their latest project, the Healing Ceiling, was designed to bring joy and comfort to young patients at Providence Children’s Hospital.
What started as a simple idea in August turned into a months-long effort to make a difference. The troop brainstormed ways to help their community and ultimately voted to create something for children in the hospital.
“We were trying to help the community by doing something nice, and we had a vote, and helping kids in the hospital won,” said 10-year-old Beatrix Gray, a member of Troop 1050.
The girls decided to paint ceiling tiles with colorful, uplifting images to brighten hospital rooms. Inspired by Alaska’s wildlife, Beatrix chose to paint a lynx.
“It’s kind of scary in the hospital,“ said 11-year=old Sylvia Polonowski, another scout. ”So the idea was to make kids feel safer and more comfortable.”
The project is part of the Girl Scouts Bronze Award, one of the highest honors for Junior Girl Scouts. It requires each scout to contribute a minimum of 20 hours, meaning the troop collectively spent more than 200 hours planning, fundraising, and painting.
“This is the first project where they’re really starting to work on those skills that really empower girls to be leaders in our community,” Troop Leader Corrine O’Neill said.
To fund their project, the troop organized fundraisers and used the money to purchase supplies.
But they didn’t stop there. They also raised money to donate toys, ensuring young patients had even more reasons to smile.
“We donated Squishmallows, blankets … legos, toy cars, and pacifiers,” Beatrix explained.
Hospital staff say these donations make a real impact.
“Some of these kids have never been outside. They’ve never had the sun on their face directly, never felt the wind,” said Bonnie Hiers, a Child Life lead at Providence’s Child Life Department. “So providing those little things that are inspiring and gives kids something that feels like a normal play is huge.”
On Presidents’ Day, the troop officially presented their artwork to the hospital team.
“I hope this makes you feel better and not so anxious in the hospital,” Sylvia said when asked what she would tell the children in the hospital.
It’s a small act of kindness with a big impact, proving that even the youngest leaders can make a big difference.
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