What started as an art night in the Student Union turned into a surprise delivery to cheer up elderly residents in the Hillsdale community.
The “Adopt-a-Grandparent” GOAL program held an art night on Friday, Feb. 19 in the Student Union TV lounge. Junior Emily Brickey, who leads the GOAL program, brought the finished paintings to the Hillsdale County Medical Care Facility to distribute to residents.
“Anyone could come, grab some paint, brushes, and a canvas then paint whatever they wanted,” Brickey said. “The nurses in the facility passed the paintings out to whichever residents they thought could use something to cheer them up.”
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, students were not able to visit the residents last semester. Brickey held a similar event before Christmas to spread holiday cheer even though the usual in-person visits were not possible.
“The residents were thrilled, so I decided to do another one this semester so we could be involved with the facility, without actually going there in person,” Brickey said.
To prepare for the event, Brickey ordered art supplies, picked out snacks, recruited volunteers, set up tables and chairs, and promoted the event.
Brickey has been the AAG program leader since January of 2020. She has volunteered with AAG since the fall of her freshman year.
“I loved the program and the residents at the facility so, when the GOAL office started looking for a new leader, I applied right away,” she said.
Laurie Newell, life enrichment director at the facility, said the residents love receiving the handmade cards. Some put the cards beside their beds, while others pinned their cards to the bulletin board.
“We’re just now starting to have in person visits for family, but even then there are restrictions. Having something to brighten their room a little bit means a lot,” Newell said. “Each time they look at it, it represents that somebody made something for them. They’re still important and people still know they’re here.”
“It’s just a nice way to say hey, we know you’re still there and we still care about you,” senior volunteer Aaron Jacobson added.
He believes receiving a card that someone had put a lot of time into would raise the residents’ spirits in this lonely time.
“There are some very good artists who stopped by and painted cards,” Jacobson said.
Brickey is a firm believer in the value of connecting students and grandparents through art.
“Painting seemed like a fun way to get more people involved, connect us on campus, as well as do something sweet for the residents,” she said. “It brings a little more color to the facility, and shows them that we’re still thinking of them, even if we can’t be with them in person.”
