Richland Elementary first grader reaches goal of collecting 100 boxes of Girl Scout cookies for Hampton Fields Village

Richland Elementary first-grader Brielle Connelly hasn’t been a Girl Scout all that long, but she takes the oath to heart.

The 6-year-old set out recently to spread kindness in a big way by collecting 100 boxes of cookies for the residents at Hampton Fields Village, a UPMC independent living retirement community in Allison Park.

“I couldn’t wait to see if I was going to reach my goal, and I knew I could do it, if I believed in myself,” Brielle said. “I am so happy everyone got a box of cookies, and I was excited for them to smile when they got them.”

Brielle’s mother, Jennifer, said the pair were talking about volunteerism and how good it would feel to do a small outreach project to help local senior citizens.

“Because of the pandemic, she felt that an independent living facility was the perfect place to bring a smile with a box of cookies,” Jennifer Connelly said. “We called Hampton Fields Village and asked how many residents there were, and when they said there were close to 100, Brielle didn’t waiver.”

The Connellys started a drive to coincide with the Girl Scouts cookie season and asked potential buyers to donate a box to the senior living facility.

“I did a few videos and went around my neighborhood and handed out a door hanger,” Brielle said, adding she had a lot of help from neighbors, friends and family.

Hampton Fields Village manager Darlene Gibson said residents seemed genuinely delighted by the good deed.

“They were overjoyed, and some thought that was the nicest thing that anyone has ever done for them,” Gibson said.

Brielle and her mother got a glimpse of some of the smiles, as several residents were waiting in the front lobby to greet the delivery duo.

“It makes me so happy when I could make other people happy,” Brielle said. “Happiness is like power and makes the other people happy. Donations make me want to jump up, dance and scream around in the air and say, ‘Woohoo!’ ”

The youngster, whose hobbies include dance, drawing and dolls, said learning about volunteering was fun, and she hopes other people can take a cue and spread some kindness.

“You can do a donation and make someone smile,” she said. “It will be good, and you will be happy you helped.”