Every once in awhile, we get to see a picture of how very connected we all truly are in this world. It is so easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget what power for good we all have and at The Landing we love to provide opportunities for connection.

One way to serve the community is to be a friend to the senior citizens. This holiday season the kids at The Landing AfterSchool Program decided to host a Christmas Party for the retirement center up the street. The kids planned the party, signed up to bring the treats, and invited the senior citizens. The Landing bus picked up a group of seniors and brought them down for a night full of games, singing, food and friendship.

The kids were so excited to throw this party, and really got behind the idea of service to others. They knew that the night was not at all about themselves, but rather about giving to others.

At the end of a wonderful night, the seniors hugged the kids with tears in their eyes, telling them what a special time it was and how much it meant to them to be remembered at Christmas. Several of the seniors approached me about volunteering their time at our AfterSchool program, and told me what joy it brought them to be with the kids in such a “positive environment”.

My staff and I were so touched to see the kids connect with their new friends in such a powerful way, and were reminded just how important the work we do with The Landing is to everyone in the community.