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‘It’s a blessing to be able to do this’

Students from CCS work with Friendship Haven residents

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Han Gill, 6, a first-grader at Community Christian School, left, receives some instruction from Marianne Lawler, a resident at Friendship Haven, Monday afternoon during craft time at Friendship Haven.

Residents at Friendship Haven weren’t quite sure what craft they would be working on Monday.

All they knew is they would be joined by first- and-second graders from Community Christian School.

The group gathered in the Tompkins Celebration Center at Friendship Haven.

“I wonder what they’ll have us do,” one resident was heard saying.

“I am not sure,” Gladys Meier said. “But we better follow the rules of the school or we’ll have to see the principal.”

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Edith Geisler, a resident at Friendship Haven, left, and Jace Bockoven, 7, a first-grader at Community Christian School, work on their contributions to the friendship wreath Monday at Friendship Haven.

A few minutes later, more than 20 students walked through the doors.

“There they are,” Meier said.

Each student was paired with a resident for the activity.

Carrie Albertson, a first-grade teacher at CCS, said students and residents would be creating friendship wreaths.

Each person was given a piece of construction paper, crayons, and scissors.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Jessica Bockoven, center, is all smiles as she works on putting the finishing touches on a friendship wreath Monday at Friendship Haven. Angelica Chichester, left, and Carrie Clausen, at right, assist in the process.

“Trace your hand,” Albertson said. “And on each finger list something you are thankful for.”

Meier listed food, health, shelter, clothing and church.

Han Gill, 6, a first-grader, listed mom, dad, sister, brother and family.

After each person had their hands traced and cut out on pieces of paper, they were combined to form a friendship wreath.

Angelica Chichester, Jessica Bockoven and Carrie Clausen helped put the finishing touches on the project.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Lyla Seward, 7, a second-grader at Community Christian School, places her hand on a sheet of construction paper during a crafts project at Friendship Haven Monday. Gladys Meier, a resident at Friendship Haven, at left, looks on.

Janet Smith, a second-grade teacher at CCS, said pairing the students with residents is a winning combination.

“It’s a blessing to be able to do this,” Smith said. “Why not take advantage of the opportunity?”

Smith said students from CCS visit Friendship Haven the third Monday of every month.

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