At Colonial Landing in Elkridge, Valentine's Day came a few days early this year.

Residents of the older adult community off Rowanberry Drive were showered with cards and crafts during a Feb. 11 holiday party hosted by Girl Scouts from Rockburn Elementary School.

Grace, 10, Riley, 10.5, Mary, 11, and Kyra, 10, had been planning the get-together for months as part of their Bronze Award. The highest recognition a Junior Girl Scout can receive, the Bronze Award requires at least 20 hours dedicated to a project bettering one's surroundings.

According to troop leader Karen Keagle, the four Girl Scouts decided they wanted to work with seniors and set up a meeting with the manager of the Colonial Landing to brainstorm what to do. At first, they thought about hosting bingo, but the manager said that there was already bingo at the complex twice a week. So they opted to throw a Valentine's Day party instead.

Then came the materials. The scouts visited local businesses to ask for donations. Green Valley Marketplace supplied cookies and sprinkles for decorating, said Keagle. She added that a Rockburn teacher donated some materials for crafts and a raffle. 

"We just wanted to brighten their day," said Mary of the party. "I think Girl Scouts might cheer them up," she added of the residents.

Those living at the apartment complex said they appreciated the company of the scouts, especially since some residents said they have grandchildren they don't always get to see.

"Little kids and pets always bring people joy," said Ed Sawyer, who has lived at Colonial Landing since 2005.

In fact, pets are the focus of another project the troop will be completing, according to Keagle.

Members of Troop 159 are involved with three different projects to earn Bronze Awards, she said. Some girls opted to throw the party at Colonial Landing, others wanted to volunteer for Howard County Animal Control and Adoption Center and a third batch wanted to help the Elkridge Food Pantry, said Keagle.

By the end of February, the three sets of scouts will have completed their projects and will be honored with what Keagle said would be a "very special ceremony."

This article was updated at 4:50 p.m. on Feb. 14 to correct the spelling of Kyra's name. Patch regrets the error.