Quick Summary: Local students designing colorful face masks for residents is an example of how intergenerational community connections can bring creativity, kindness, and encouragement to senior living. Activities that connect students with older adults can create meaningful interactions while giving residents opportunities to engage with younger generations. Explore how community partnerships can strengthen relationships and brighten everyday life for residents.
Three students from Clifton T. Barkalow Middle School in Freehold Township, NJ, embraced a volunteer opportunity to brighten the faces of the residents at The Atrium at Navesink Harbor.
After receiving a donated shipment of white cloth face masks, The Atrium Executive Director Michael Gentile inquired if volunteers would be interested in dying the masks different colors. Olivia Gravatt, Leah Gravatt, and Lina Magliocco, members of their school’s National Junior Honor Society, jumped at the opportunity. The sisters’ mother, Anna Marie Gravatt, provided the necessary supplies and facilitated the volunteer effort.
Once the three friends received the face masks, they began the multi-week process of dying and drying, pleased to use their time and creativity to make the world a brighter place. After completing the task, they were excited to deliver and distribute the masks to residents at The Atrium at Navesink Harbor.
“Our residents very much enjoyed meeting these young volunteers. They were delighted by their handiwork and touched by their compassion,” said Mr. Gentile. “There are big smiles behind these brightly colored masks.”
Reflecting on this positive experience, the students said that they enjoyed helping out and meeting the residents at The Atrium. All three look forward to volunteering again in the near future.
