Students assist YANA program that helps seniors stay in their homes

FALLBROOK — During the recent holiday season, 50 Maie Ellis first-graders were chosen by their teachers to participate in the annual San Diego County Volunteer Sheriff’s Patrol project “You Are Not Alone.” The project involves delivery of large bags full of everyday necessities and canned food to housebound senior citizens by the San Diego County Sheriff’s and Volunteer Sheriff’s patrols.

Several years ago, Volunteer Sheriff Glad Hiscock approached first grade teacher Cynthia Greer to have her students decorate the large, plain white bags with art. Each year, Mrs. Greer leads her students through seasonal art projects, which are then attached to the bags, giving each bag unique colorful decoration.

This year, Mrs. Greer asked her grade-level colleagues to each choose six students to work with her to decorate 50 bags. With the decoration complete, the students presented the autumn-themed bags to San Diego County Deputy Sheriff Scott Swannie and Volunteer Sheriff Deputies Anne Adams and Al Cochran. Although the bags could be thrown away by the seniors after the delivery of the goodies, most of them have decided to keep their bags and use them for such storage as pet food and knitting supplies.

The young students learned that they could contribute to the well-being of older people — in this case, senior citizens of Fallbrook’s diverse population. It feels good to be able to give of oneself to benefit another!