Contributed by Taylor Stegman | Mayville State University DECA, ND
Painting pumpkins with my DECA chapter at Mayville State University is one of my favorite traditions.
Before the pandemic, our chapter would volunteer at a local nursing home, Lutheran Memorial Home, and paint small pumpkins with the residents around Halloween. It was a way to connect with the community, bond with the residents and staff, and brighten the days of the residents that do not receive many visitors or often see outside guests.
I was fortunate enough to volunteer for two years before the pandemic when we were able to paint pumpkins in person. The residents enjoyed both the crafting and the company. After, they were able to admire the pumpkins that now decorated their rooms.
When the pandemic hit, many DECA chapters, including ours, were unsure of how to proceed with volunteering when it was hardest to connect with the community. I am very proud of how our chapter adapted. Instead of going to the home to paint pumpkins with the residents, we painted them together as a chapter and dropped them off so the residents would still be able to enjoy the decorations for the upcoming holiday.
I am glad we were still able to spread some joy to the residents!
