As a whole, student media at Garden City Community College kicked off the Spring 2026 semester by helping out the community. One of the things media did was make handmade letters with thoughtful messages and drawings. Together, media took them to the Ranch House, a family-owned senior living community.
“I have never been to the Ranch House but it is very nice and homey inside. The people who worked there were very kind to us and helped us with some of the elderly there, which we greatly appreciated,” Miraya Martinez, staff member, said.
Some of the elderly there also have their dogs with them. The company of an animal can be fulfilling to these residents that reside at the Ranch House. As the group was delivering the handmade letters, some felt as if they were in the presence of a university with really nice dorms.
Seeing all of the residences faces light up when given a letter, brought an extreme amount of joy to each member. Some of them would say things like “this just brightened up my whole day” or something so sweet it warms the heart.
“I would definitely do it again. We also found out that on Saturdays, you can go around 2pm and paint their nails and they absolutely love getting their nails painted,” Martinez concluded.
Along with visiting the Ranch House, Martinez also joined staff member Amya Basilio on a task to deliver food to seniors around Garden City.
“I have had the opportunity to help give back to the community, by helping with Meals on Wheels,” Basilio, said.
Meals on Wheels is a program that delivers meals to seniors and home-bound individuals that are unable to prepare their own food.
During class time Martinez and Basilio went to the Senior Center to pick up already prepared meals, to deliver. When arrived at the Senior Center, they provided the young ladies with a bag full of boxes of food and a sheet of paper with all the addresses and people that are to receive the food.
“Seeing most of the people sitting waiting for their food was a bittersweet moment, especially since most of the people who saw us were in good moods and really sweet. When we finished handing out food, I felt good about myself for being able to help those who need it,” Basilio, concluded.
Overall, media students enjoyed visiting the elders located in the small community of Garden City, Kansas. Small acts like these change lives, in addition to the engagement that is essential for any human.
