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Chinua Ulmer ’29 explains the purpose of Hands in Action
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Laura Ramlie ’29 and Amelia Chang 30′ chat with a resident after handing them a card
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Ted Ok ’29 speaks with a senior
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Club co-founder Jack Hong ’29 and member Meya Lei ’29 talks to the residents
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Bella Hall ’29 reads aloud the positive message written inside the card for a senior resident
Ten members of Hands in Action, a community service club committed to improving the lives of those in the greater Los Angeles region, visited Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood to distribute handmade cards of affirmation to the senior residents on Sunday, March 1.
“We chose to make cards for Belmont Village Senior Living because we wanted to support the surrounding senior community of Harvard-Westlake,” club co-founder Chinua Ulmer ’29 said. “For me personally, having a grandmother who lives in a senior care home, I felt more connected to the work I was doing.”
The cards were created by club members over the course of two weeks. During each meeting, students spent time decorating the cards and writing encouraging messages inside. By the end of the project, Hands in Action exceeded its original goal of 75 cards, creating a total of 117.
At the senior center, each member received a stack of cards to give to the residents. In addition to delivering the cards, members also chatted with the seniors and read aloud the messages written inside. For many members, the conversations with residents became one of the most meaningful parts of the visit.
“A moment that stood out to me was when one of the couples we gave cards to took the time to learn our names, share some advice, and really get to know us,” Amelia Chang ’30 said. “It felt more personal than the other thank-yous we received, and you could tell it genuinely meant a lot to them. We shared a lot of laughs, and it turned into a really meaningful interaction that I’ll remember.”
The service project also left many members with a deeper appreciation for how seemingly small gestures could make a big impact.
“I learned the value of the little things,” Bella Hall ’29 said. “I watched a simple heartfelt card with a cute drawing on the front make a person’s day so much better, and that was very exciting to see!”
The experience not only brightened the residents’ day but also reminded students of the importance of connection, gratitude, and service.
“These kinds of service opportunities are incredibly valuable, both for students and even adults,” Chaperone and Spanish Teacher Edgar Jurado said. “We often get caught up in our own bubbles and forget to look at those around us that we can help. Even on a personal level, working with others in this way can remind us to not take for granted all of the great things we have in our daily lives.”
The visit gave students the opportunity to see how small acts of kindness could make a big difference. For many residents, the cards brought smiles and sparked meaningful conversations, while club members experienced the value of personal connection firsthand. The event marked the first of many service projects that Hands in Action plans to organize.
