A service to the community while playing bingo

The handle on the bingo cage was spun and Jacob Gonzalez stuck his hand in to pull out the numbered ball.

"B-12," Jacob said.

Ooh's and ahh's were heard throughout the dining area of Affectionate Arms adult day care.

Jacob, a fifth-grader, and 12 other students from Chandler Elementary School helped clients at the day care play bingo.

"The first time I went to play live bingo with them I was in third grade. I was nervous," Jacob said about playing bingo with the clients.

He is the president of the student council at Chandler, which has attended Affectionate Arms for 19 years (formerly as Stanly Elementary).

"When the students first started coming to the day care they were hesitant to play bingo with the clients," said Mary Garcia, facility director. "Now they practically run in here."

The members of the student council visit the clients monthly throughout the school year.

"We try to have student council elections as early as September so the students can start attending the day care in October," said Sandy Muegge, sponsor and third-grade teacher.

The students, their parents and the sponsors bring items the clients can use around the house, like paper towels and toilet paper, as gifts for the bingo winners, Muegge said.

"I like to see a smile on their face," Jacob said. "And when they call me over to sit with them, I feel proud of myself."

For the past two years he has become acquainted with the clients and has enjoyed being able to brighten someone else's day.

"Being able to see how much we make a difference in their lives is exciting," Jacob said.

The students attend the day care once a month and have a student council meeting prior to visiting the residents.

"This month I had the students make snowmen for the clients," Muegge said. "So all the clients receive a gift."

The students play live bingo four to five games with the residents and when their visiting hour is over the clients have nothing but thanks for Muegge and the students.

"I enjoy being able to make their day happier," Jacob said.

News Sources:-
BY RUBI REYES - December 22, 2008
http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/features/education/story/380402.html