With the first month of the semester almost complete, LEAP is thoroughly ensconced with volunteerism across the community and, especially, at the Walker County Senior Center, where there is much fun to be had.
Our routine is straightforward: introductions, five games of Bingo, and then selecting from myriad games at different tables. But the possibilities are numerous, fun, and intriguing.
We began again with Bingo, this time with Nataly taking the lead as most other volunteers sat at the tables.
Normally a quiet sort, Nataly flashed some smiles, enunciated loudly and clearly, and had great teamwork with her co-host Mikaela Baires. She even received some cheers from the congregants.
Of course, not as many cheers as the winners.
Following the Bingo game, students sat at different tables, interacting with seniors and other volunteers. In some cases, such as Ashton’s, it meant learning new card games from others at the table…
…and eventually she won, making everyone happy!
At other tables, the students taught the seniors new games.
And all the games were new for Mikaela, whose family doesn’t play cards.
While there, we ran into a familiar face: Dottie Fulton! Ms. Fulton is one of our favorite people to plant flags with for the Lions Club Flag Project, and we relish each time we get to see her.
One of the things that LEAP students soon learn with volunteering is that many of the same people show up at diverse venues: people who donate their time and resources do so across a variety of causes, and they are the individuals who make communities better places to live.
And, of course, that is exactly what makes the Senior Center a worthy place to donate time and money.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 