Spread the Love

Senior citizens are in for a pleasant Valentine’s Day surprise after RLA’s Spread the Love program Tuesday, in The Hub.
At Spread the Love, students were able to paint cards, canvases and tableware to be sent to local nursing homes in Chadron and senior citizens in South Dakota through the company Send Smiles to Seniors.
“It’s just about sharing the love because of Valentine’s Day and that week is all about showing the person you love how much you love them,” Lelisse Umeta, 19, sophomore of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, said. “For seniors in nursing homes, some of them do have family and some of them don’t have families. It really is about giving back to the community and showing them that we do care and think about them.”
The advertisement for the program also mentioned some of the crafts will be sent to the Chadron Community Hospital.
Umeta arranged the Spread the Love program and expected 40 to 50 students to attend.
While at the program, participants could choose from a variety of Valentine’s Day themed snacks and a special punch that Umeta made with pineapple juice, Sprite, club soda and lemonade.
Many participants were excited to paint and use their art skills, like Megan Tidyman, 19, freshman of Chadron.
“I think it is a nice thought. I know quite a few senior citizens, and they really enjoy stuff like this,” Tidyman said. “It’s fun to get to do something for them as a program, and it’s just fun to know that I get to bring a smile to somebody.”