She can't walk the ramp but she can share her lunch.
Mrs. Pat Orrick, 81, is one of several lunch buddies who volunteer one day a week to share lunch with elementary-age students at Pea Ridge schools. Lunch Buddies is a project of Bright Futures Pea Ridge.
"I've always worked with children and I can't do Bible School," Orrick said. "This is one day a week. I get to see the children ... I like just being with the children."
Mayor Jackie Crabtree said: "It's amazing opportunity to get acquainted with some individuals who will really warm your heart. It kind of rolls over from lunch buddies to their friends. You're touching lives of more than just the individual you're having lunch with.
"You can get away from everything and concentrate on them and it's just a good way to put things in perspective," Crabtree said, adding that he intends to volunteer again this year.
"There's no need of anybody of any age or disability who cannot get a blessing to be there. It's only one day a week; the children are thrilled to have us there," Orrick said.
Orrick and a friend, Marcia Cothran, go to Lunch Buddies together.
"I can't make it up the ramp, so Marcia pushes me in a wheelchair or helps pull my walker. The little boys open doors for us. I carry my oxygen 24/7. I do the best I can."
"It's just one of the greater things in the community," she said smiling. "There's no need of anybody feeling depressed or lonely. I get cheered up just walking in the hall. It's like Christmas time for the kids."
Orrick's lunch buddy last year was a third-grade girl who shared various life events with her during the year, including experiencing the death of her pet. "She shared that sorrow. I was able to share that every day we live is a gift."
"She was shy the first couple of months, but before I left, she would start waving. She asked me to come back," she said.
Some seniors from Pea Ridge High School have also volunteered for Lunch Buddies. All participants must pass a background check; check the Bright Futures Pea Ridge Facebook page for the next date.
To volunteer for Lunch Buddies, call Bright Futures at 800-451-3583.
Community on 08/05/2015