Keeping Company and Holding Hope

Bianca B., Bay Port High School Chapter President, remembers navigating outreach to seniors during the pandemic and the rewarding transition to in-person volunteering.

Being the President of the Bay Port GlamourGals chapter, I have taken every opportunity possible to ensure seniors are provided with companionship year-round. With all senior facilities in our area still under strict COVID-19 restrictions, it was not a possibility for our group to physically volunteer. Even though we could not see the seniors, I made it a priority of mine throughout my two years on the leadership board to provide facilities with an abundance of holiday cards and crafts to brighten the seniors’ day. Because we have many surrounding nursing homes in our community, it was essential for our chapter to have many volunteers to achieve a larger impact. In my junior year, I started campaigning and reaching out to underclassmen about the organization. This increased our small group of 20 members to over 100 in the next service year, allowing a vast amount of seniors in Green Bay to receive a card and craft! With my persistent monthly communication with nursing homes, we received the exciting news that we could finally have makeovers with seniors at a nearby facility. With this announcement, I was quick to begin practice sessions, event updates, and guidance to all members wanting to partake in the opportunity. The success of this event provided me with such fulfillment, as I could see the happiness in the seniors’ eyes. I realized that, due to my hard work, this event became a reality. This realization pushes me daily to make a difference using the leadership skills I have gained through this amazing organization.