SPRINGFIELD —  Effingham County Middle School’s FFA officers recently delivered some blooming good cheer to a large group of senior citizens.

A donation of 20 potted mums to Lakeview Manor was made possible by an anonymous benefactor.

 “This was the first year (since I have been at ECMS) that we had a sponsor buy mums specifically for gifts for Lakeview Manor,”  FFA Advisor Dr. Kendra Brophy said.

The mums had the desired effect.

“I was told that the residents were extremely happy not only with the flowers but with the visit from the officers,” Brophy said.

The project was set in motion by Maude Hinely, who notified Brophy about the donor. Hinely has two children, Sarah Grace (vice president) and Royce (treasurer), who are FFA officers at ECMS.

ECMS FFA officers President Brayden Papp, Secretary Zachary Harbin and Reporter Jacob King also participated.

Brophy said that the residents of the senior living facility aren’t the only ones who benefitted from the mum donation. She said the officers likely learned some important lessons.

“I am hoping that the donation and visit teaches them compassion and empathy as well as experiencing the pleasure that giving can give to both the giver and recipient,” she said.

“The students are learning business management practices, organization, how to speak to potential customers, how to perform customer service,” she added.