Editor’s note: This is the sixth article in a student writing project from the students of Mary Messer’s class at Gray Elementary in North Delta. The stories reflect community projects that students have done to improve the lives of others throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The articles run once a week on the Optimist website.
Have you ever wondered how Grade 6/7 students could make an impact?
We are the Hearts for Elders group and want to share how we impacted some seniors at Delta View. We all agreed to become a group because we all shared the same interests for children and elderly people.
During the pandemic, seniors could not see their families and would feel very lonely, but only a few of them could have a call with their relatives, so we decided to make Valentine cards for them. February was near, and we wanted to show some love for the seniors at the long-term care home. One thing we realized was that we would have to make a lot of cards, so we decided that we wanted to gather the Grade 3/4 students and help show them how to make some of the cards and teach them how to impact their community as well.
We started by asking the teachers if their students were interested in helping us make the cards. We’re so glad that students were willing to support us and their community. Throughout the week, we came into the classrooms to give the students supplies and teach them different ways to make cards. The cards were definitely made with love and care! We got tons of cards, and we sent them to Delta View, hoping the seniors would like them.
The response we received from Delta View was very positive.
“They were very much loved and appreciated,” said Kelly Foston, the recreation director of Delta View said. “The students did such a great job in helping the residents feel loved and cared for. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts.
“They shape the lives of the kids in keeping them connected to the community, showing responsibility as they grow for all those in a community. The students are showing sharing, caring, and most of all LOVE in a very difficult time.”
We are so glad we could help make an impact for the seniors and cooperate with the students at Gray Elementary!
This project impacted us too because we felt grateful for helping seniors during this pandemic. It helped us learn that other people are in need, and also because we got to show children how to impact our community. If you want to make an impact too, we advise you to think of ways to help your community, choose from your heart, and never give up during the process.
