Lee University freshman help Morning Pointe of Chattanooga - Shallowford resident Harry Hamby celebrate his birthday.
Morning Pointe of Hixson resident Eloise Edwards and a Lee University freshman share a laugh and enjoy being silly together
Lee University freshman can't wait to visit the residents of Morning Pointe of Collegedale at Greenbriar Cove
Morning Pointe of Athens resident Noble Clark regales Lee University freshman with tales from the past
Lee University freshmen joined with Morning Pointe residents across the Tennessee Valley to participate in a time-honored tradition. Deke Day is an annual event for Lee freshman, their first introduction to service learning. It is a time for them to put aside their own needs and focus on the needs of others. This year, roughly 1500 students journeyed to 50 locations across East Tennessee in order to volunteer and minister to the community.
“Deke” is shorthand for
diakoneo, a Greek word found in the Bible meaning “to attend to anything that may serve another's interests,” and as the name implies, Lee students served the residents of four, different Morning Pointe communities in a wide variety of ways. These selfless young people did not simply fulfill the practical needs of the senior living communities’ residents—they lifted their spirits and gave them many, wonderful memories. Here are just a few of the impressions some Morning Pointe associates took away from the event:
“[T]hey [the students] sang many songs, some played instruments, and as it happened to be the day we were celebrating August birthdays in the community, the birthday boys and girls were thrilled to be sung to for their special day! The students cut and served cake, [and] shared ice cream, games, music, and tons of laughs!” said Holly Holcomb, Life Enrichment director Morning Pointe of Chattanooga – Shallowford.
“It was a fun afternoon for all!” said Christine Rivers, Life Enrichment eirector, Morning Pointe of Hixson.
“They [the students] came out to…fellowship with us which included painting nails [and] playing balloon volleyball, corn hole, and…a rousing game of Monopoly. We look forward to their visits every year,” said Life Enrichment Director David Fisher at Morning Pointe of Collegedale at Greenbriar Cove.
“We had arts and crafts, manicures, trivia, singing, piano playing, [and] pet therapy time. Wonderfully talented kids!” said Shelby Wilson, Life Enrichment director, Morning Pointe of Athens.
Officials said, "Thank you again to the students of Lee University! Morning Pointe is so grateful for your kind acts of service!"