Gloria Perry says she feels young again.
This morning (Nov. 10), more than a dozen students from St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School visited Perry and the seniors at St. Martin de Porres Senior Center in Alexandria’s West End. The work is part of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington’s second annual Week of Service, which sends students from Catholic schools across the diocese to more than 125 charitable projects from Northern Virginia to the Northern Neck, Fredericksburg and Winchester.
“The Week of Service is a reminder that when we work together, mindful of our brothers and sisters in most need, great things can be accomplished,” Bishop Michael F. Burbidge said in a statement. “And what better way to express thanks to God for all the gifts that He has given to us than to share them with others.”
At St. Martin de Porres, the kids ate breakfast with the seniors, did morning workouts, painted nails and participated in a raffle.
“The students make you feel young again,” the 82-year-old Perry told ALXnow.
Perry visits the senior center every day it’s open, Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
“I wish I could come every day,” Perry said. “I dread when it’s closed. You sit at home, look at the TV, do crossword puzzles, and look at the walls.”
Student volunteer Jenna came up with the idea of painting the seniors’ fingernails.
“When you paint someone’s nails, it makes them want to smile,” Jenna said. “I definitely hope to come back next year.”
Juanita Balenger, the senior center’s program director, said the kids brought a lot of energy.
“There’s been a lot of excitement here today,” Balenger said. “We’re always looking for volunteers.”
The Week of Service is celebrated from Monday, Nov. 9, through Sunday, Nov. 15.
More week of service projects are listed below:
- St. Bernadette Church and School in Springfield will come together Nov. 12-14 to create a lasting, real-life impact for a start-to-finish meal assembly experience. Volunteers will pack 175,000 meals of rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, and a packet of 20 essential vitamins and minerals.
