SGA visits nursing home for a Halloween surprise

 

Marshall University’s Student Government Association representatives dressed up in Halloween costumes and delivered cards to residents in the Woodland’s Retirement Home.

SGA members made 85 cards and bought candy to take to the residents of the home following their Senate meeting Tuesday. Approximately 30 SGA members participated.

Members went to the main dining hall of the home and then continued to visit each of the rooms and surprise residents.

Rachel Rohrbach, Campus Life and Service chairwoman, coordinated the event for SGA. Rohrbach said the experience was very rewarding and residents appreciated everything they brought.

“One woman had stayed in her room for two weeks,” Rohrbach said. “But when she found out we were there, she finally came out of her room and was excited to see us. It was nice to put a smile on all of their faces and see how something as little as cards and candy meant so much to them.”

Freshman dietetics major Emma Nelson is a new member of SGA. Nelson was sworn in during the meeting Tuesday and said she thoroughly enjoyed her first SGA experience.

“Going to the retirement home was a lot more fun than I had expected,” Nelson said. “All of the residents were so happy to see us and that made the experience that much more enjoyable. I hope that we continue to do more things like this to give us a little break from all of the stress and work of SGA.”

SGA members stayed and visited the residences for almost two hours passing out candy and cards and taking the time to listen to residents’ stories.

Several SGA members are returning to the home Thursday for a Halloween party with the residents.

Cadi Duplaga can be contacted at [email protected].