At 10:30 a.m. on the first Monday of the month when school is in session, two or three students from the upper grades of the Enterprise Seventh-day Adventist School arrive at the Wallowa County Senior Center in Enterprise, Ore. The students set up, seat seniors, and serve beverages, lunch and dessert.
Barb Hilde, an active member of the Enterprise Church, has organized this activity for many years to allow the young people of the church to serve the elders of the community.
During their December 2014 visit, the students tended to the needs of the seniors, first seating them and then finding what they wanted to drink. While serving, the students exchanged conversation and smiles with the seniors gathered. A local pastor was also visiting the center and commented how wonderful it was that these students can come, get to know these wonderful folks from their community and serve them lunch.
The students were equally positive about the experience. Alondra Pena, whose parents own and operate a restaurant, was particularly adept at meeting the needs of the seniors. She commented that this service requires staying focused and being friendly and well-prepared for the lunch-hour rush.
Serving lunch to the seniors of Wallowa County enables the students to give back to their community and show Jesus' love in a practical way.
Alondra Pena hurries to serve dessert.
Alondra Pena serves dessert at the Wallowa County Senior Center.
