They might be small in stature, but the hearts of Daisy Troop No. 40675 far exceed their height.

More than a dozen girls from Joint Base Lewis-McChord delivered a Valentine's Day surprise on Feb.11, to residents at Patriots Landing, a retirement community in DuPont.

Comprised of kindergarteners and first-graders, the Daisies spent an afternoon chatting and mingling with an elder generation - many of whom were in wheelchairs and suffered from dementia.

Sandra Metz, Daisy Troop leader, said the purpose of the visit was multifaceted. Not only did the girls earn new patches for their vests, but more important, it was an opportunity for them to reach out to a sector of the community that others often forget.

"I think the whole thing about Daisies and Girl Scouts is they make a difference in their communities," Metz said. "It's not just about selling cookies or learning cute songs and those kinds of things. It's about making a difference, and this is a way to do it."

The girls started off by coloring Valentines alongside residents, whose smiles and laughter clearly showed Metz's intentions were fulfilled.

Mary Bierma was one of several residents who spent time talking with the Daisies while coloring Valentine pictures. Bierma said she was surprised by their visit and amazed by how well behaved they were.

"We had a lovely afternoon with them," she said.

Tricia Lawrence's daughters, Ashley and Taylor, are in their second year of Daisies. She hopes their experience at Patriots Landing is just one of many that will teach them the value in giving back to the community while learning to be compassionate of others.

"Sometimes, young kids are scared of the elderly, so it helps to be able to do stuff like this," Lawrence said. "I think this helps teach them to be tolerant in the real world ... to take extra care and know that (the elderly) are approachable."

Bierma agreed.

"They get an idea of what adults are like, and it's fun for them to get around and see other people other ages," Bierma said.

To prepare the Daisies, Metz read a book to them explaining dementia and Alzheimer's disease prior to their visit.

"I read them a story about how some people lose their memory, and one of the girls said, ‘Oh, you know what? I forgot to tie my shoes, so I can understand that!'" Metz said.

The troop also learned a song and dance, which they performed for the residents after decorating Valentine's Day cookies.

Like the other moms who accompanied their daughters, Lawrence said she hopes their visit lifted the residents' spirits.

"Kids bring joy ... They have so much life and energy," Lawrence said. "I just hope this really brightens (the residents') day."

Samantha Tworoger, whose daughter is in the troop, said her wish is that the visit eased any bouts of loneliness some of the residents might have been experiencing.

"My mom used to work in a nursing home, so I know that a lot of elderly people don't have family that come and see them," Tworoger said.

"I just hope it really improved their day and helped them have a good Valentine's Day," Metz said.

Judging by the grins on the residents' faces, it's safe to say the Daisies' mission was accomplished.

"I really enjoyed it," Bierma said. "We would like for them to come again."