“We have a vigorous academic program for our students, but we want our Legacy High School Students to experience Community Service as well,” explains Aurelie Ferrara, staff psychologist at The Child School, located in the former minischool buildings on the Island.

“Our students wrote a letter in early May to Rema Townsend, Director of the Roosevelt Island Senior Center, offering their services to Senior Citizens.  We’re now collaborating on an intergenerational program in which our students deliver hot lunches to homebound Seniors every weekday at noon.  It is a great opportunity for our students to give back to the community, as well as learning compassion and respect,” she said.

The Child School is a private nonprofit school for students with a variety of learning disabilities.  The nine very responsible students who have volunteered to deliver the hot meals are: Philip Bias, Alicia Cordovano, Kenyetta Hugee, Daniela Jenkins, Omari Mack, Alisha Simmons, Tayo Smart, Aidan Villa, and Aaron Wein.  Every weekday before their own lunchtime, they pick up hot lunches at the Senior Center cafeteria and deliver them to homebound Seniors living in Island apartments.  The students get to know their clients on a personal level, and have learned their food preferences.  Some Seniors don’t care for fish dishes or broccoli, others prefer skim milk, etc.  A few Seniors need help opening the food cartons.  The June lunch menu lists a large variety of hot entrees: meatballs, chicken parmesan, beef stew, and stuffed shells.  Cold chicken or seafood salads are also available during the summer months.  To round out the meals, two vegetables, milk, and fruit are included in the delivery.  A dollar is collected for the meal each day, and is turned in to Rema Townsend at the Senior Center.

Since undergoing a serious heart operation, Rivercross resident Boris Miller, 87, has been taking part in the hot-lunch program funded by the New York City Department for the Aging. “I really look forward to the meal that the students deliver to my door.  It is my main meal of the day.  And the lunches are delicious.”  Miller smiled as he looked forward to the Salisbury steak meal that Tayo Smart was handing him.  “And it is hot enough so that I don’t need to reheat it.  I don’t have to do any work,” Miller added.

Miller’s daughter, Amy, a social worker who lives in Manhattan, says the hot-lunch program has lifted a great worry from her mind.  “My father disliked cooking for himself and was not eating the right foods.  We are so thankful for the lunches.  Now I know he is eating a good wholesome meal every day.”

Alisha Simmons, a student who delivers meals, paid a compliment to her 91-year-old client: “She has the heart of an angel and the soul of a swan.  Because of her arthritic hands, she does like me to pry off the lid of the food container.”  Another student, Kenyetta Hugee, delivers to a home attendant who cares for two seniors in wheelchairs.  “They wave to me and smile when the door is opened,” she said.

Child School Staff Coordinators Deirdre Tantillo and Beverly Pierre conduct a training program for the Student Volunteers so that they know what steps to take if there is an emergency.

Senior Center Staff Member Liza Konnert can explain the program to Senior Citizens who wish to participate in the Hot Lunch Program.  For more information call her at 212-980-1888 during Monday-Friday business hours.