Many consider Martin Luther King, Jr. Day a “Day On, Not a Day Off,” using the break from work or school to serve their communities. Midlothian’s Girl Scout Troop 5757 is no exception. Troop members chose to spend part of the day showing love to residents of Lucy Corr. A dozen Scouts reported to the Health Care Center equipped with nail polish and cotton balls, ready to treat residents to manicures and thoughtful conversations.
“The Scouts mean a lot to me,” resident Carole Greiner said upon the troop’s arrival, adding that her sister had been a devoted Girl Scout before her death at age 17. While applying shiny new coats to residents’ nails, the girls asked questions about the ladies’ families, upbringings and life experiences.
“I just wanted them to realize, ‘Hey, these people live lives just like us, but they don’t always have their families around to help,’” said troop co-leader Kristen Collier. Another co-leader, Lauren Seals, has a sister on Lucy Corr’s nursing staff and regularly volunteers during bingo nights. “The girls were excited when we announced the plans,” Collier added. “They practiced a few days ago — on paper first, then on each other.”
“Days like this mean a lot to our residents,” said Kayla Roane, healthcare activities director at Lucy Corr. “The Scouts’ willingness to joyfully give time and attention had a bigger impact than they can imagine.”
