Jacinta Hogan is attempting to launch an ‘intergenerational movement? that will bring Oxford High School students together with local senior citizens in need of a helping hand.
‘I’m hoping it will show them that the young people do care,? said the OHS junior.
Hogan is currently recruiting student volunteers for a spring clean-up weekend on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24.
The idea is to create a free labor force to do basic yardwork ? such as mowing, raking, weeding and planting ? at the homes of Oxford senior citizens.
‘Many of them have been living in Oxford for most of their lives and they’ve given to the community time and time again,? she said. ‘I think it’s only fair, as high-schoolers, we give back to the people that support us.?
‘I’m going to try to get as many people involved as I can through the high school,? Hogan continued. ‘I want to get the staff involved, too, because obviously, there’s going to be adult supervision.?
Hogan isn’t one to just sit on the sidelines. She likes to be involved and help others. For example, last year, she served as the race director for the Wildcat Race, a fund-raiser for scholarships and the Senior All-Night Party.
‘I like to do as many things as I can to give back to the Oxford community,? she said.
It was through her work with the St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion that Hogan became aware of local elderly folks who are neglected and ignored. The St. Vincent DePaul Society counsels the poor and helps with rent, utility, gas and grocery bills.
Based on her experience, senior citizens ‘don’t usually ask for help, but they’re the ones who need it the most.?
From this, the idea for the spring clean-up was born. She’s hoping it will open students? eyes to the plight of the elderly and make senior citizens ‘feel appreciated.?
On a personal note, Hogan is extremely grateful for the educational opportunities Oxford has afforded her such as being part of the district’s Early College program. In addition to her high school classes, Hogan takes courses through Rochester College, so when she graduates, she’ll have both a high school diploma and associate’s degree.
Helping kickstart this intergenerational movement is another way for her to pay it forward.
‘I think it’s important to give back to the community that’s paying for my education,? she said.
Seniors living in Oxford Township and Village who are interested in having free yardwork done are asked to send an e-mail to oxfordgivesback@gmail.com or call Hogan at (248) 396-1734.
‘If I get some calls from Addison or Leonard, I can take those into consideration, but it depends on how many students we have and also how many (requests in) Oxford (there are),? Hogan noted.