Vermont Day School Partners with Age Well for MLK, Jr. Day of Service
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a day “on” for students in Pre-K through 8th grade at Vermont Day School. The tradition began last year and has become a meaningful day for the school community, families and students alike, to come together and reflect on the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the importance of service to others.
This year, Vermont Day School partnered with Age Well for their day of service. Erica Marks, Director of Volunteer Services, joined virtually to share the issues facing seniors who are isolated at home and how Age Well helps by delivering Meals on Wheels, conducting safety checks, and making friendly calls. Erica shared that social isolation among seniors, especially during COVID times is a big challenge. The Meals on Wheels volunteers usually provide that important connection but that interaction is more limited now due to the pandemic.
In response, Vermont Day School students have started a pen pal project, writing letters to seniors served by Age Well, to bring joy and social interaction at a time when seniors might find themselves more isolated than usual. The students hope that the seniors will write back and form an ongoing bond that will bring them an intergenerational connection throughout the winter and beyond.
“Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve….You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.
