Scouts take valentines to seniors
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, February 15, 2000
Decatur Girl Scout Troop No 925 members might not have much experience in community service – this is the first year the troop has been active – but the residents at Jo-Lin Health Center didn’t seem to notice.
Tuesday, February 15, 2000
Decatur Girl Scout Troop No 925 members might not have much experience in community service – this is the first year the troop has been active – but the residents at Jo-Lin Health Center didn’t seem to notice.
Troop members delivered handmade Valentine’s Day cards to the nursing home residents Monday.
"We wanted to do a community service and we thought it would be good for the girls to make the valentines and to pass them out," said Cindy Russell, Brownie troop leader.
Alene Boyer could only say one thing after Desirae Friend handed her a small cut out heart.
"It’s very thoughtful," Mrs. Friend said.
But that was enough thanks for Desirae.
"We made the cards to give to the people in the nursing home so they would have cards to make them feel good," she said.
And this type of community spirit makes Fannie Sanders smile.
"I thought the card was so lovely," Mrs. Sanders said. "It’s so wonderful to think the young people want to give of themselves. And the most wonderful part is that they made the cards themselves."
The residents at Jo-Lin Health Center receive presents like the handmade valentines throughout the year from different organizations, but more are always welcome, said Peggy Dyer, activities coordinator.
"I think it’s a wonderful volunteer thing the kids do," Mrs. Dyer said. "They must think so much of the elderly people to do this. And the leaders of these groups are wonderful, too. This type of activity is so rewarding.
"It gives the kids a chance to relate to the older people. And if they start when they are in day care, they get to feel comfortable around the residents. I think that’s really good."
And the lessons such activities teach are priceless, said Cheryl Russell, junior troop leader.
"They are learning to live by the Girl Scout’s law," Mrs. Russell said. "It’s about respect, sharing and caring about others. We’re trying to teach them those values."
And that’s a lesson Brownie Megan Russell won’t soon forget.
"We thought it would be nice for the people who are here," Megan said.