The Student Athletic Advisory Committee participated in “National Random Acts of Kindness Week” by making Valentine cards for residents at Ridgecrest Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Director of A-State Childhood Services, Jo Ann Nalley, and Curriculum Coach, Taylor Carpenter, both attended the event. The event took place Feb. 13, at the A-State childcare center.

The athletes said they enjoyed spending time with the children and cannot wait to come back to volunteer. They were there to help assist the children with creating Valentine’s Day cards and to assist with entertaining the babies.

4-year-old Lillian Vasquez took part in this event and helped make cards for the residents at Ridgecrest.  

 “I love making cards! Look, I wrote my name for the grandmas and grandpas,” Vaquez said. 

She said she was so happy to help make the people at Ridgecrest feel special and loved.

Alaina Carmer, an infant teacher, said she enjoys when the children have visitors who they can look up to as role models. She said the athletes are patient, kind and really make the kids happy when they visit and she hopes this is something they can continue every year.

“I love how energetic Mr. Nick was,” Carmer said. “He got down on the floor and really played with the babies.”

Yvette Prescott, a Ridgecrest resident, said she misses her grandchildren and how they would make her cards when they were younger. She said this visit helped her remember them. 

“This is so wonderful, it really makes me feel so happy to receive a card this year. Usually, we don’t get anything, but this was really touching,” Prescott said. 

She said she hopes this is something that Childhood Services will continue to do each year, as she will be looking forward to it.

The children and the student athletes created over 100 cards for the residents. 

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