August 5, 2022
At Cedar Trails Senior Living, we are always excited to celebrate the Back-to-School season! Partnering with local schools is typically a year-long effort, but there is a special focus on the time when most students are heading back to the classroom- whether in person or virtually. We have partnered with Freeburg Elementary School. Our residents find it easy to relate to school outreach efforts as many of them can recall a time when they returned to school as well.
Fostering these relationships helps build a sense of community among students, teachers, residents, and staff. There are plenty of advantages to intergenerational activities- such as decreasing the social and economic isolation so many seniors feel. Research has shown that seniors’ health, memory, and balance can benefit from volunteering regularly with children. Not only do these relationships benefit the older generations, but also the younger ones as well. Studies have also shown that children who interact with elders are less likely than others to start illegal drug use, will more likely have improved communication with their parents, and are less likely to experience depression. Lastly, these experiences can create timeless memories for both the seniors and children involved, such as making a new friend, trying a new game or activity, or listening to stories of each other’s life.
For the past three years we have worked with the Freeburg Elementary School on collecting school supplies for children and families that could not afford them. I am working on being able to be at the school on August 14th, the first day. Hopefully with lots of donations of notebooks we will be able to give one to every student at the high school and a box of crayons at the grade school level.
Teachers spend their own money for the students. The wish list will be posted on social media for all to read, in hopes that people will donate these items to us to give to the teachers. Individuals can drop donations off at the Cedar Trails front office or in the giving box in the lobby.
Cedar Trails will also be making a connection with St Joseph’s Catholic School in Freeburg to see if any supplies are in need.
Cedar Trails Senior Living will continue to show their support in a lot of different ways this Back-to-School season and throughout the school year.
Cedar Trails Senior Living in Freeburg, IL offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near St. Elizabeth’s Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers, including The Orchards Golf Club, Target, Eckerts Belleville Farm, Braeutigam Orchards, and the Belle Clair fairgrounds & Expo Center.
