Local news outlets feature ‘random acts of kindness’ at Topeka
During this time of social distancing, members of the wider community are finding creative ways to connect with residents at Topeka Presbyterian Manor, and local news outlets are taking notice.
Students from Landon Middle School have written dozens of letters to residents. The students ask about resident’s lives, and they also describe how they are learning at home. Landon Principal Stacy Schreiner personally delivered the correspondence.
Resident Kay Jones discussed the letters on a KSNT newscast.
It’s a breath of fresh air, truly,” Kay said. “I love having these letters, because I can read them and reread them. And I’ll no doubt respond to some of them.”
Last month, the Topeka Capital-Journal ran a story about “random acts of kindness” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reporter Brianna Childers included the story of Tim McHenry and his therapy dog Cheyenne. The pair regularly visit hospitals and senior living communities through the organization Prairieland Visiting Animals.
Since Tim and Cheyenne can’t visit Topeka Presbyterian Manor residents inside, they have been making appearances outside the windows. Tim uses signs to explain who they are, and Cheyenne lends his talents to the effort by rolling over and giving Tim a high five.
In the newspaper story, Tim said that he believes the crisis has inspired people to do more for their communities.
“People are doing things that maybe they hadn’t considered doing before and either because they have the time or they have the resources, they just have the ingenuity,” he was quoted as saying. “They’ve found a way to impact people around them.”
These are only two examples of people doing something special for our residents recently. Community members have sent artwork, brightened our campus with chalk, and performed outdoor concerts.
Our staff and residents appreciate all the family members, friends and volunteers who have gone out of their way to lift our spirits through this period of social distancing.
