This week is National Nursing Home Week across the country.

The theme of the week, highlighted by the Mississippi Health Care Association, is “It’s a Small World, with a Big Heart.”

In honor of the week, nursing homes across the state will have events that are fun for their residents that also will welcome the community to come on in for a visit.

Events that encourage Lafayette Countians to come in and volunteer their time and talents with the elderly are important because sometimes it does take an event or a national week to remind folks of a certain segment of our population.

The EAGLE encourages those who have a talent, whether it is playing a musical instrument, acting or something as simple as talking or listening to consider giving of yourself and your time by visiting a nursing home, a long-term care facility, hospice and even the veterans home. Don’t have a talent? Round up gifts like crossword puzzles, miniature calendars or toiletries to donate.

We just wrapped up Mother’s Day and sincerely hope those mothers at these facilities were able to visit with their children and grandchildren. Unfortunately, many were not, so now is a great time to volunteer and be the uplifting part of someone’s day.