Students Help Seniors in the Name of Humanity

It all began in the fall of 2009 when Jessica Chu, Kristin Miller and Aubrey Vinh, members of the Highlanders for Humanity at , first visited the Little Brook Nursing Home as part of a much larger effort to give back to their community.

That trip to Little Brook was considered a success with the warm reception by the local residents of their first-ever live performance of “The Lion and The Mouse”. 

Then sophomores, these young ladies believed that creating opportunities for direct interactions with senior citizens were mutually beneficial. After much soul-searching, the trio founded Granny Manis. Its mission is to entertain and to provide free manicure services to the residents at the local nursing homes.  Since 2009, it has been operated under the aegis of the Highlanders for Humanity at WMC.

Starting out with just the three friends, Granny Manis has grown to 65 registered members on Facebook. Its members frequently visit Little Brook, and Merry Heart to entertain the elderly and to provide manicure service to those willing. The seemingly small gesture, more often than not, tends to brighten the day for all parties–the young and the young-at-heart.

This year, as graduating seniors, Jessica, Kristen and Aubrey remain passionate about Granny Manis. For they have found that with giving comes the gratifying experience that is utterly invaluable. 

They are hopeful that Granny Manis continues to be a viable organization at West Morris Central and that its members will stay faithful to the mission of bringing joy to the residents at the local nursing homes. Giving, as the Granny Manis founding trio will readily attest, is not a one-way street.

All information and photos provided by Paul Vinh.