Vivian Harbaugh thought the youngsters in her group would enjoy making journals for Heartland Cancer Center patients as a new community-service project. She thought right.

The Elementary Youth Group at First United Methodist Church, 2123 Forest, Great Bend, eagerly accepted the challenge, Harbaugh said.

"I had seen this idea in a magazine and thought this age group would be very capable of handling it," Harbaugh said about the 20 first through fifth graders. "They had a great time painting and stamping the journals."

The booklets, which are adorned with ribbons and came complete with ink pens, were recently delivered to the cancer center.

"While patients are getting their treatments, they can write down their thoughts, or make to-do lists or just doodle," Harbaugh commented. "When we delivered the journals, the kids were allowed to tour the Heartland Cancer Center. They really enjoyed it. It is a beautiful facility."

The youth group tries to tackle one community-service project each month. Past efforts have included a scavenger hunt for the Food Bank and cookies for a nursing home. In addition, the group participates in Operation Christmas Child, which sends shoeboxes filled with gifts to children in other countries.

Heartland Cancer Center is part of the St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center family.