Hi Stampers
Stamping with Seniors
Thanks for checking in today. Yes… I have a card to share but I would also like to share with you what I did on Friday morning. One of my Customers recently moved into a Senior’s Residence and doesn’t get around like she use to. She is fiercely independent and doesn’t get out to my classes as often as I think she would like. Last month she attended my monthly Coffee and a Card at the Coffee Shop. After talking with her, I asked if she would put me in touch with the Activity Co-ordinator at her residence. After discussions with the co-ordinator we set a date and time that I would go in to the Residence and offer an Introduction to Card Making. To be honest I didn’t know what to expect so I kept the card very simple, basic, but pretty. It was a test to see if it is something that the residents would enjoy.
Another friend / customer offered to help me out and I was so happy she did. What a rewarding experience. In the end there were 12 Stampers that came by. Two of the ladies had their grand daughters there to help them. It was so sweet to see them helping their grandmothers. There was a husband/wife that stopped by. They changed their card to a Thank You card as they had just celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary and wanted to send out Thank You cards. Some that came by were more mobile than others but all of their cards turned out beautiful. The first lady to come to the table was pretty quiet. When she was done she asked me when I was coming back because she had fun. It warmed my heart. I am a pretty emotional person (can cry at the drop of a hat), but despite my eyes filling up…. I held it back. I got more out of this event than anyone will ever know.
I noticed one of the Activity co-ordinators watched the event and interactions the whole time and I think she was pleased. They are going to discuss if this is something that can be done on a regular basis. I often think about what I will do when I retire….I know that doing some type of volunteer work will definitely be in my future.
Another awesome thing from this experience, I have other Customers and Friends who have offered to help me out if I do this again. Don’t you love it!
I couldn’t take pictures of the group without a waiver but I can share the card with you that everyone made. It is a simple note sized card, but has enough detail to make it pretty… and they all loved it.
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Thanks for stopping by,
Elizabeth, Your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
www.StampScrapAndMore.com
It was good to read about someone else working with seniors. I’m not a SU demonstrator but have one and love the products which I mix with other companies.
I started making cards at the local senior center in October and it is a wonderful experience. I’m alone and my largest group was 7 which is just right. It’s work to get the materials ready but they keep coming back so that’s a positive. There is such a variety of abilities. Since I have extra kits ready, I often make them up and give them to the activity director who uses them for bingo prizes.
Marilyn. I loved hearing about what you do. We can honestly learn so much from each other. I love the idea of making up the extra cards (because you know we always have extras in case others want to stamp) and giving those to the co ordinator for prizes. I actually think the idea is BRILLIANT and am going to do the same thing. Thank you for sharing.