McCORDSVILLE — By the time the girls were finished, the shelf was nearly bare.
They took their time picking the Lego set they’d buy. The options were plentiful: Star Wars, Batman and more.
Eleven members of Girl Scout Troop 874 of New Palestine hit the McCordsville Meijer on Sunday afternoon to purchase toys for patients at Riley Hospital for Children.
The troop raised $2,000 to continue a tradition a New Palestine boy started before his death last spring.
Brody Stephens 8, of New Palestine died earlier this year after a long battle with leukemia.
Even while fighting the disease at Riley Hospital for Children, Brody often thought of others, his parents say. He held lemonade stands to raise money to buy Lego’s for other sick kids.
To earn their Silver Award — the highest honor a cadette can achieve — the girls committed to continuing Brody’s good deed.
The troop held several lemonade stands through the summer and fall, raising nearly $2,000 to purchase Lego sets for children at the hospital.
Celia Stephens, Brody’s mother, was so touched by the troop’s efforts, she met up with the scouts at the store to help them pick the perfect toys. The venture helps keep Brody’s spirit alive, she said.
“It’s really helpful, especially this time of the year, when we really need it,” Stephens said.
Troop leader Brandee Bastin is proud of the work the 11 girls were able to accomplish.
They had a goal and accomplished it, she said.
Bastin’s daughter, Brenna Bastin, said helping with the project has been amazing, but she gives credit to Brody for coming up with the idea to help sick children through his lemonade stand.
The girls are simply keeping his project going, she said.
The Scouts purchased the toys for sick boys and girls of all ages. Some were overwhelmed by the good they were doing.
“It feels like we’re doing something really big and really good for the community,” Ally Butrum said. “A lot of the kids are stuck there all day and night and don’t have anything to do.”
Girl Scout Alayna Aushbrooks echoed those sentiments saying it feels good to help someone else.
“Supporting something bigger than yourself just feels right,” Aushbrooks said.
Meijer also donated some of the Legos and opened a special register for the Scouts to check out. Store officials offered an additional 20 percent off.
Store manager Tim Snyder said the company is always looking for ways to get involved with community outreach.
Offering the discount gave the scouts the opportunity to purchase even more toys, he said.
The Girl Scouts will deliver the toys to Riley Hospital Friday.
