A Righetti High School club recently visited some local military veterans in observance of the 2012 Veterans Day celebration . The Random Acts of Kindness group, which began just this year, is out to make a difference. Comprised of 15 to 20 members, the club’s goal is to provide a positive presence in support of the monthly theme.
In October, the theme was cancer awareness. The club raised more than $300 and donated it to cancer research.
“We know that October is the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but we wanted to acknowledge all forms of cancer,” said one member. This month the club is paying tribute to those who fought for our country by visiting with them and listening to their stories, and talk about their own.”
The group met at Luis Oasis Senior Center in Orcutt, which is a nonprofit senior recreation center that holds support, exercise, and card groups consisting of about 750 members. Doug Dougherty, executive director of the senior center, was contacted by Random Acts of Kindness and was excited to bring the group and the seniors together.
“The fact they want to come out and thank our veterans makes them a cool group,” Dougherty said.
Lesther Valenzuela, a member of the group, said, “We want to listen to their experiences and give honor and thanks to them for doing so much for us.”
Although the tribute was held post-Veterans Day, neither the group nor the veterans seemed to acknowledge the passing of the holiday as veterans eagerly talked about their experiences. The group expects many opportunities to give back throughout the year.
“Hopefully next month we can do something for the homeless or the Salvation Army since during the holidays too many don’t have a home or family to celebrate with,” said another member.
The Random acts of Kindness group is always looking for leads to match to their themes. They can be reached by contacting Righetti high School at 937-2051.
Intern Allen Achterberg wrote this week’s Community Corner. Information should be sent to the Sun via e-mail, mail, or fax.
This article appears in Nov 22-29, 2012.
