BY BRANDY TEMPLETON
Union Grove Elementary Beta Club members brought a little love to residents of Olin Village on Thursday afternoon.
More than two dozen fourth- and fifth-graders visited the assisted-living facility to spend some quality time with residents. They decorated doors with handmade tulips and helped with a Bingo game. For prizes, the students brought a big box containing a variety of body washes and lotions.
Principal Keeley Ward and second-grade teacher Katie Templeton co-lead the school’s Beta Cub, which has a community service requirement. This outreach is in its third year.
Serving others brings joy to the givers and the recipients, Ward said.
“You’re spreading sunshine to them, and by spending time, it will make you feel good as well,” she told the students.
Some of the students who had visited last year agreed.
The group excitedly decorated resident doors, politely asking permission and then helped Bingo participants out fill their cards.
Resident Gregory Lee was excited to ”win prizes,” while Christopher James Wells and Charlotte Dunn enjoyed Bingo and visiting with the kids
“I like ya’ll being here and smiling at me,” Dunn said.
The students enjoyed the interaction also.
Sawyer Ratcliffe, Cooper Ward, and Raelyn Roten all said they liked being around the residents.
Korie Melton was very excited.
“I really like spending time with people here and seeing their smiles,” she said.
Ward asked the students for one word descriptions of how they felt leaving. Some words used were amazing, joy, good and happy, with one child shouting “hot,” to everyone’s amusement.
That was music to the principal’s ears.
“It’s a great experience for the students. They go in thinking they are going to brighten others’ days and leave realizing they were the ones who were blessed,” she said.
“Our Beta students not only brighten the residents’ days, but also gain empathy and a deeper appreciation for serving others. It’s a valuable experience that teaches kindness, patience, and connections across generations in our community.”
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