The Charles Drew Health Center waiting room got a makeover on Sunday and it’s all thanks to the hard work of some elementary school students.
It was a big day for fourth and fifth-graders from Palisades Elementary School in Gretna, who brought in art supplies, books and a computer to the Omaha health center. “We are planning to remodel the waiting rooms and make them more kid-friendly and really help the center out," said student volunteer Kellen McLaughlin.
The students were part of a team called Destination Imagination. At the beginning of the school year they decided they wanted to do a community outreach project. Then when they heard about the need at the center, they wanted to help.
“Sometimes when kids go to the doctor they’re afraid, but if there’s books and stuff for them to do they might not be as afraid as they would if there’s nothing for them,” said student volunteer Porter Ascher.
The kids held book drives and supply drives. They also raised money by doing chores for family and friends. Co-manager of the team, Dan Pechous, said it’s been a lot of hard work. “The children really have probably put in two to five hours a week since we started.” Now they get to see all that work pay off.
The books and bookshelves, crayons and computer went in for other kids to enjoy. It’s a life lesson of giving that these students say they’ve enjoyed.
“It’s really exciting," said student volunteer Paul Pechous. "I like knowing that we are going to make a difference."
"It feels really good because we know we are going to help people,” said student volunteer Abby McGargill.
