LA JARA — On March 28, Conejos County Hospital was visited by Centauri High School Student Council in a hope to spread joy within their community by donating a hospital hope basket for elderly patients.

Centauri's Student Council aims to do philanthropy projects throughout the year and this month the project was brought about by student council members, Kaia Skadberg, Lindsey Robins, and EE-YAH-NEE Cordova.

The girls started this project in the hope of putting a smile on elderly patients' faces and decided to focus on geriatrics rather than pediatrics, because while both are equally important, elderly patients are often overlooked.

With the help of their sponsor, Amy Larson, and the rest of the council, the project was completed. Together the council sold Amish fried pies as a fundraiser to finance their cause.

Inside the box contained puzzles, cards, slippers, coloring books, bath sponges, and large-print word searches. The committee selected items that would pass time and hopefully calm nerves. As well as helping the nurses and patients connect.

This was an enjoyable project which the Student Council hopes to continue in the future.