pumpkin painting 2.jpgNovember 17, 2020

Traditionally, the Mayville State University Collegiate DECA chapter members would have gone to the Luther Memorial Home on an evening before Halloween to decorate pumpkins with residents. This is an activity that the students and their friends at LMH have come to look forward to and enjoy.

Collegiate DECA members didn’t want to let the restriction of visitors associated with the coronavirus pandemic to keep them from sharing kindness with the residents of LMH. In fact, they felt that during this time of isolation, it is even more important for them to show their friends they care.

pumpkin painting 4.jpgInstead of in-person visits, the college students had their own night of pumpkin painting and card making. They then left their thoughtful gifts at the door of the LMH for staff to bring in and distribute to residents in hopes of lifting spirits and brightening days.

“Mayville State Collegiate DECA chapter members know that this year has been hard on everyone,” said Abby Kohls, president of the chapter. “This year, we want to continue as many of our community service projects as we can while being COVID-19 safe. Everyone could use some positivity and happiness right now, and we wanted to continue our tradition of painting pumpkins with the residents at Luther Memorial Home, even if that looked a little different this year! We loved having the opportunity to give back and lifting the spirits of the residents during this difficult time.”

pumpkin painting 5.jpegAs a recipient of this act of kindness, LMH resident Jim Lyng expressed his happiness and gratitude. Jim was a long-time employee of Mayville State and has experienced what it means to be a member of the family of the “School of Personal Service.” Even in retirement, that legacy of personal service has made a difference for Jim.

Photo captions

Top: Members of the Mayville State Collegiate DECA engaged their creativity to paint colorful pumpkins for residents of the Luther Memorial Home.

Middle: Collegiate DECA members enjoyed their pumpkin painting party, even though they had to break from the tradition of painting with Luther Memorial Home residents this year due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

Bottom: Luther Memorial Home resident Jim Lyng was happy to have received a pumpkin painted by Mayville State students.