It was a different scene than the residents at Savoy Care Nursing Home in Mamou are used to.
Students from Mamou High School arrived at the nursing home with gifts in hand and prayers in their hearts for residents this holiday season.
Nursing home resident Reginald Soileau says he is proud to see the students working to make a difference in the lives of others by giving back. “We have a lot of people in here that need prayer.”
The visit was a part of the school’s Pay It Forward Campaign with students doing acts of kindness throughout the community.
And students say it’s an important part of growing up, to take care of those who have taken care of them.
“It creates this domino effect,” says student Abihail Patrick. “It brings positivity and kindness throughout the entire community with wanting nothing in return.”
And the good deeds all begin in the halls of Mamou High School, where students write their deeds on a whiteboard encouraging others to do the same.
“You never know what type of day people are having,” says Kayden Serie. “The smallest thing can make their day. As far as a smile or a gift, anything can satisfy people in a day.”
Those deeds, no matter how big are small, are a way to spread joy in the community. It’s also as a way for these students to learn the importance of giving back.
“It brought joy to their hearts to see that young people are actually coming to visit them and make conversation and giving them things for the holidays,” says student Gabriella Aguillard.
