Connelly Middle School, New York, NY Summit, NJ The 7th graders at Connelly Middle School of the Holy Child had a winter service focus: getting to know the elderly in our community. Working with Cabrini Elderly Care, a Lower Eastside nursing home community, the girls have been taking part in a fun activity that allows them to make connections and serve others: BINGO! The connections that they made there also inspired them to send cards to some of the residents who don’t receive family mail, including home made Christmas cards in December. Here are some of the girls’ reflections on their service days: “My BINGO partner, Phyllis, really didn’t need much help. But I reminded her where to put the piece if she forgot…I found the experience to be rewarding. When it was time to leave I didn’t really want to leave. I really enjoyed watching them to get mad or happy and even talking to themselves. I can’t wait to visit again!” - Jaszmen “Her fingers felt extremely soft!” - Diamond “When I walked into the BINGO room I was still a little scared. As we played BINGO, I loosened up a bit and didn’t feel scared anymore.” - Jenesis “This experience was rewarding for me because one of my all-time goals is volunteering in the community. When we left, I wanted to go again already. I really hope to go again.” - Rebecca “When I walked into the BINGO room I wasn’t expecting to see such a small amount of people. As I sat with my partner, I started to wonder what it will be like when I am older. I also wondered what he was like when he was younger.” - Quaana