Helping Hands, Helping Hearts

How can just one person make a difference? By caring, that’s how! For two years, the fifth graders in room 511 have made a difference in the lives of the residents at Newington Health Care Center.

It all started in the Spring of 2007. We all started collecting cans and bottles, or doing extra chores around the house to earn extra allowance. Each student brought in ten dollars, and many students were so inspired, they brought in more!

I then took the money we collected, and went to the store to purchase “supplies” for the students to create gift baskets with for an adopted grandparent from the Newington Health Care Center.

The next day in school we created our baskets and made pictures to decorate the rooms of our grandparents. Filled with pride, we walked the short distance to the Health Care Center to meet our grandparents and share a smile.

While we were there, we enjoyed ice cream sundaes and entertained with a special dance we had created. It was such a positive experience, and some students kept in touch with their adopted grandparents even after the school year ended.

In order to build a relationship with our grandparents earlier the next school year, we were invited to spend part of Halloween in the Health Care Center. The students brought their costumes to school, and put them on in the Health Care Center to parade around for the residents. Before we left, we sang some spooky songs and shared some Halloween treats.

This spring we are going to head back over to the Health Care Center to surprise our adopted grandparents with yet another round of gift baskets that we have worked hard to earn. This has proven to be a rewarding experience for all involved!