MANSFIELD — In the words of Buddy the Elf, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
That’s exactly what students at Sherman Elementary School did Monday morning while visiting residents of Dayspring Assisted Living.
Third-graders involved in the Leadership Group at Sherman sang Christmas carols, hand-delivered Christmas cards and crafts and ate snacks with the residents.
Amy Clark, activity director at Dayspring, said the event is a treat for both the students and the residents — some of whom don’t have many family members, especially grandkids, who come visit.
“It’s nice for them to have ‘adoptive’ kids come in,” she said.
Sherman Elementary teacher Kevin Stone said there are 34 students who participate in the Leadership Group. Each student received a nomination from his or her teacher and exemplifies leadership qualities. This group is meant to help the students sharpen their leadership skills.
The students give up one recess a week to hold meetings, during which they abide by Robert’s Rules of Order, Stone said. The students help organize school functions, including the penny drive and Make a Difference food drive.
Four times a year, the students visit with residents of Dayspring and partake in fun activities and games.
Clark said the residents enjoy having the students over.
“Who doesn’t look forward to kids coming to give you goodie bags, make crafts with you and sing songs?” she said.
Doc Stumbo of Graham Automall spearheads these events in partnership with Sherman Elementary and Dayspring. Stumbo said Graham expressed interest in wanting to be more involved in the community and this is just one of the many efforts the automall participates in, and has done so for the past 12 years as sponsor.
