Helping hands were serving hands at the annual Senior Citizen Breakfast at the Eisenhower Intermediate School on Friday, April 10.
Local senior citizens from the community paid a visit to Eisenhower, where students from the service organization Helping Hands sponsored a delicious spread in the school’s multi-purpose room.
The guests not only enjoyed a tasty collection of breakfast foods, but they were also treated to performances from Eisenhower’s Encore Choral and Orchestra ensembles and the star cast members from the Drama Club’s Spring Musical, “The Addams Family.”
The spearheads of this wonderful Helping Hands crew are Gretchen Alvarez and Stephanie Rovi, two 6th Grade Teachers whose passion and dedication were on full display as they moved quickly to perform their duties at the breakfast.
“ Gretchen and I created Helping Hands about 12 years ago, and this event has always been one of our most rewarding and memorable of the year,” Ms. Rovi revealed. “We are both so proud of the students for their participation in our club and their ability to engage with the seniors in a way that is meaningful and genuine. We wouldn't be able to make this event what it is without the support of the Eisenhower School staff and administration.”
Ms. Rovi reported on the morning’s activities.
“This year, students and seniors also participated in a few rounds of Bingo. Prizes (hand soaps and hand sanitizers) were awarded to the winning players. On their way out, seniors received handmade magnets (designed by the Helping Hands students during their before-school meetings) and a “goody bag” containing hand lotion and hand sanitizer.
She concluded.
“The event would not have been possible without the support and contributions of the Eisenhower staff and administration, who generously donated baked goods and other breakfast treats, as well as the BREA/NJEA PEP program. It was evident from feedback from senior citizens and students that the event was a memorable and rewarding experience for everyone involved.”