Students volunteer at local nursing home

"Your number and address, too," came a voice from the residents of Meadows Manor North Nursing Home Thursday night as Spring Week continued with the community service event.

The members of the Spring Week Committee, as well as members of ISU's Greek community, performed songs such as "I Will Survive," "Super Freak," "My Girl" and "R.E.S.P.E.C.T."

"Anytime we can get young people to come in, [the residents] enjoy it," said Ruth Krout, activities director at Meadows Manor North. "It's a part of life they miss being around. They miss the interaction."

Interaction was certainly key during the performances, as members of the sororities and fraternities sang to audience members, blew them kisses and made shout-outs to the crowd.

"The residents are really having fun," said Michael Sales, graduate assistant for student activities and organizations.

Annie Smith, the community service chair, said performances for each group ranged from about seven to 10 minutes. Many groups performed their Air Band choreography, an event on April 15 at 7 p.m.

"Basically we just decided to do a Blues theme," said Lyndsey Atwood, a junior social work major and member of Alpha Chi Omega. "We get to choreograph the dance and work with the fraternities. It's fun to be on stage."

The community service event is a common addition to Spring Week events and Greek life's dedication to philanthropy.

"Every year the community service project is up to us," said Shannon Hayes, freshman psychology major and member of the Spring Week committee. "We felt coming here to the nursing home is something different and a good way to get students on campus involved out in the community."

The residents of the nursing home, whose names could not be printed for security purposes, watched with enthusiasm, smiling, laughing and engaging with the sororities and fraternities.

"It was good," said one resident. "I enjoyed it."

Deborah Schefkae, activity director at Meadows Manor North, said these activities are a treat for the residents.

"Look, they're having a ball," Schefkae said. "You just watch, they're going to suck all your youth and energy in."