Dozens of Kappa Kappa Gamma and Sigma Phi Epsilon members visited two assisted-living centers for the elderly Saturday to spread
Valentine’s Day cheer to the residents.
About 25 women from the sorority and 25 men from the fraternity visited Creswell Care Center in Creswell and Coast Fork Nursing Center in Cottage Grove, where they spent two hours making Valentine’s Day cards, chatting with residents and singing songs.
“It’s taken the residents some time to adjust to these outside groups coming in,” said Kasey Wright, marketing director for both centers. “But every time we’ve had an event, residents have been more responsive. More have gotten out of bed to come to meet in the dining room.”
Susan Holloway, activity director at Creswell Care Center, said residents love visits from young people because they affect their day so positively.
One resident, Jean Havie, had been brought into the dining room shortly after the group arrived and seemed confused by the large number of young people in the room.
Sitting in a wheelchair, Havie watched as sophomore Eric Renner made her a personalized Valentine’s Day card out of puffy paint and purple construction paper.
Minutes later, the men from Sigma Phi Epsilon sang the “Sigma Phi Sweetheart Song” and during Renner’s solo, he approached Havie and sang directly in her ear.
“Violets and roses, my heart discloses,” he sang, “say that you love me true.”
Havie was caught off guard by the sudden attention and began laughing. She looked around at other residents with a smile on her face.
“It’s that sparkle in the eye,” Holloway said. “A moment ago, she didn’t know if she should be here, and now she’s doing an activity and having a smile on her face.”
The women of Kappa Kappa Gamma also sang a song for the residents. “Dream Awhile” is a chapter song that members sing to say good-bye.
“Everyone had a really good time on both ends,” said Dana Harlan, chapter president of Kappa Kappa Gamma. “Apparently one of the women even cried she was so happy.
“I’ve been hearing the buzz around the house that everyone wants to go back, make it a recurring thing,” Harlan added.
Both greek houses plan to visit the centers again. Sigma Phi Epsilon President Eli McCarrel said they plan to organize a monthly poker and pizza night with the male residents.