Feel Good Friday: Blak River Falls teen wants to think of the elderly
BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – A high school senior in Jackson County is looking to give back to her community. And she’s doing so by focusing on residents living out their golden years. For Feel Good Friday, First News at Nine’s Daniel Gomez explains what the high schooler is looking for in donations for nursing homes.
Kaylee Youngthunder is asking the community to think of the elderly, “I’m hoping this would really spark some interest in the community and have people thinking about how they can reach out and help them have some more happiness.”
The Black River Falls High School senior says the school challenges them to pursue a passion project, “And I thought I wanted to do something that didn’t necessarily relate to me but relate to my community. And so, I wanted to leave our community with another impact on our nursing homes.”
Throughout her life, Youngthunder has spent time giving to nursing homes in some way; from providing quilts to even helping decorate during the pandemic. Now she’s collecting supplies for activities residents at Pine View and Meadowbrook can do daily. Youngthunder explains, “We’re asking for board games, playing cards, bingo prizes. Like, little treats, Little Debbie snacks; They love those.”
There are two drop locations, one at the school and the other at Reflections on Water along Main Street.
“I was really excited about it and proud of her.” Youngthunder’s mother, Tara Hoffman, works in healthcare and sees the importance of keeping nursing home residents active, “It’s really important stimulating their minds and being able to continue to do things. Being able to do things in a community setting with everyone.”
For Youngthunder, it’s about making sure part of the population she had spent a lot of time helping over the years are taken care of, “I think they’re pretty excited that our community is coming together for them. And, that everyone is thinking about them and wanting them have some excitement. Because I know the day-to-day can get kind of repetitive.”
One last effort before heading off to college where she will pursue a nursing degree.
The donation boxes will be around until Tuesday, April 2nd. As mentioned, they are at Black River Falls High School and Reflections on Water at 212 Main Street. If need be, Youngthunder says the boxes will stick around longer for more donations.
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