Soulsbyville kids spread care home cheer

Soulsbyville School first-graders brightened the day of many senior citizens Thursday, as they made their third trip of the school year to local convalescent centers.

There are 50 first-graders at Soulsbyville School, said teacher Evalyn Levering. So the group splits, with Dory Anderson’s class going to Casa Viejos Assisted Living in Jamestown and Avalon Care Center in Sonora. Levering goes to both Unit 6 and 7 of Sonora Regional Medical Center’s Transitional and Long Term Care.

Levering’s students sang songs to patients and residents in their recreation rooms, and went door-to-door, singing, giving out hugs and spreading cheer.

“We are so blessed to have you children,” said SRMC Activities Director Tobie Morgan, as students sang “Love is Something if you Give it Away” to residents.

Students handed out belated Valentine’s cards they made, and said they like visiting at the long-term care centers.
   

“Yes, I love it,” said Unit 6 resident Mildred “Millie” Rea of the student’s visits. Rea accompanied students through the halls, chiming in with their songs and snapping pictures.

Soulsbyville Superintendent Jeff Winfield describes the field trips as “very essential.”

“We do this because we care and have something to share,” Winfield said. “It’s a wonderful way for children to use skills they don’t often get to practice.”

Activities Supervisor Nancy Gehl thinks residents enjoy their young visitors tremendously.

“It’s the best mood elevator there is,” Gehl said.

Usually, because of the lack of funding for field trips, Soulsbyville’s first-graders only visit at Halloween and around Christmas. Levering has taken her students to the care centers for 15 years.

With a $500 grant from retailer Target, the school is now able to make more visits.