A group of Duncanville High School students brought paint and brushes to a local nursing home on a sunny Saturday afternoon to create artwork on the windows. Their goal? To lift the spirits of residents who’ve been stuck inside during the pandemic.
Marissa Mercado, a junior who is a member of the high school’s student council, helped plan the community service project.
“When the day actually came it was extremely humbling,” said Marissa. “Doing something as small as painting a flower on the window really brightened their entire day.”
The residents of Laurenwood Nursing and Rehabilitation, like many across the country, have been limited to few visits from family and friends in recent months. The facility’s activities coordinator says for her clients, just seeing the young people was encouraging.
“The residents were really impressed. The students did an amazing job,” said Laura Mott. “When our residents look outside, they can see the pictures and know somebody is thinking about them.”
A total of 15 students participated in the project. Some painted holiday themes – like a row of turkeys – to celebrate the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Others created designs including an encouraging message.
Laura Mott says her residents would like the students to come back and do more. Duncanville High School’s National Art Honor Society is planning to create some paintings that can be displayed inside the facility.
“COVID has brought a lot of darkness, but there is always room to shed some light,” said Marissa Mercado. “I’m very proud of the outcome and the smiles we were able to bring to others.”