Susser Students Serve Up Thanks for Seniors

Students at our Phyllis L. Susser School for Exceptional Children brought something special to their community: some Thanksgiving cheer in advance of the holiday!  

Susser students from Classroom 206 visited the Elmcor Senior Center on November 20, 2023, to visit with over 40 seniors and share their thanks in preparation for the holiday. Students also treated the seniors to a performance led by members of the Susser Kids Choir. The performance included two songs and dance to their favorite songs, which seniors were able to participate in.  

“We made them really happy; we gave them a lot of energy and smiles and I can’t wait until we get to see them again,” said student Ethan Duran. “I felt like it was a nice thing to do, to make them feel like they’re loved. We showed them love, care, and smiles.”   

“My visit was great,” said student Tisean Taylor. “I had fun with the seniors they loved my beautiful voice.”  

Seniors were also treated to Thanksgiving Day cards handmade by students, a thoughtful gesture that reflected not only the students’ creativity but also their commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others. The visit is part of an initiative between the two organizations where Susser students are able to connect to the senior citizens of their community, learn from them, and benefit from their shared experiences.

“Forging meaningful partnerships within our communities is essential to our efforts to expand when, where, how, and what our students learn,” said Vice President of Education Programs Marjory Antoine. “It boosts our students’ social skills, and deepens their knowledge of community, and history, while also providing socio-emotional and health benefits to the seniors we work with.”  

“It makes me very happy that our kids were able to stand up and interact with seniors at the center,” added Principal Susan Pomerantz.  

The students of Susser are slated to return to the Elmcor Senior Center after the holiday and will help deliver some holiday cheer once again.