AGAWAM – Giving back to the community is on the minds of many with the approach of the holiday season. Why not become pen pals with a student? Kristina Lynch of the Agawam Senior Center and teacher Mrs. Magni of James Clark Elementary School are offering the opportunity to senior citizens.

The Agawam Senior Center is currently seeking twenty-one senior citizens to volunteer as pen pals for Magni’s second grade class at James Clark Elementary School. The pen pal program will begin in November, and seniors will send traditional letters to the student they are paired with every other week. Magni, hoping for a learning opportunity for her students, presented the idea to Lynch.

Michael Squindo, director of the Agawam Senior Center, believes this program is important for senior citizens.

“The benefit from the senior perspective is that they are being given an additional opportunity to give back to the community. We want to provide a purpose in the lives of the seniors. Working is purpose as a middle-aged adult. Seniors wonder, ‘What am I contributing?’ In Western culture, it’s a tough question to answer. They have life experience and wisdom to share with the younger generation. This is an opportunity to share culturally between two different age groups from different walks of life entirely. Seniors do have a purpose. Seniors can provide life experience, wisdom, and an opportunity to listen,” Squindo said.

While the program will certainly improve the lives of senior citizens, Squindo believes the children will benefit from the experience as well.

“Any time a younger individual has the opportunity to interact with an older generation, it’s an experience. This connects and gives learning opportunity to the younger generation and teaches them the value of seniors,” he explained. “If they don’t have older people in their lives such as grandparents, this gives them an opportunity.”

Squindo also believes there is value to youth corresponding with an older generation and learning about concepts such as their holiday traditions and memories. “It’s beneficial to bridge that intergenerational gap and connect.”

The program will conclude in May 2019. Kristina Lynch and Magni are currently looking into coordinating a meet-up at the end of the program at James Clark Elementary School, where students will have the opportunity to meet their pen pals in person. Squindo shared that he is “optimistic” about the program taking off.

Squindo participated in a similar program during his time working for the Longmeadow Council on Aging as Outreach Coordinator, and knows firsthand the benefits of being a pen pal.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved. It feels really good when you are able to interact with the younger generation. They have some really funny stories and insights to share. Doing it myself, it’s something I will take with me through my life. I would strongly suggest and support seniors participating.”

For senior citizens interested in participating in the program, please reach out to Kristina Lynch at 413-821-0604, ext. 5.