students standing outside of Owens Elementary with donated items

Owens Elementary students partnered with the local nursing home The Hamptons of Tyler, to adopt nineteen “grandfriends” as part of the “Adopt a Grandparent” project. To celebrate Grandparents' Day, entire classes participated by donating items, making cards, and writing letters that were then placed in large baskets lining the front office hallway to spoil the residents, aka their new "grandfriends." Take a look below.

“The parents, teachers, and students went above and beyond on this project,” said Tori Dennie.” They have so much love to give, and I am so glad they were able to make their grandfriends feel spoiled on their special day.”

Ms. Dennie hopes to turn this project into a pen pal program where students can send gifts and write letters to their special friends throughout the school year. Two team members from The Hamptons picked up the baskets and will bring them to the selected residents just in time for the holiday. Way to go, Eagles! You can't beat a community willing to share the love as these students and families did.

Is this your first time learning about Grandparents' Day?

On the first Sunday after Labor Day, National Grandparents Day is celebrated. Like Mother's Day and Father's Day, we also have a whole day dedicated to our lovely grandparents. Grandparents and children have a special connection that is proven to make grandparents live longer and make children more emotionally resilient. Who would have known?! Grandparents Day is an opportunity to treasure that connection. So, if you can, spend some quality family time together and celebrate this weekend for Grandparents' Day!