Stories of Service

Jack Eaton is a foster grandparent volunteer at Renaissance Public School Academy, but that’s not all he does. Jack has a passion for creating artwork, from poems and stories to drawings and pictures. During his six years as a volunteer, Eaton has brought these talents into the classroom. “I wanted to work with children and use my art,” Jack said. “It’s been nice to work with the kids and adults at the school.” Jack recently worked on a coloring book for the children in the class. The book is filled with different kinds of animals, and each child in the class has their name next to one of the animals. Renaissance is the third school Jack has volunteered at. He says the experience has allowed him to stay active. “When I was at Rosebush Elementary, the last day of school we were in gym class and the teacher wanted all the kids to run a mile, which is five laps,” Jack said. “I was the only one who could do the full five laps, and after I finished I asked the kids if they wanted to keep running.” Jack has had a few memorable experiences while being with the program. “We went to the Chippewa center in Midland, and I had a lot of fun showing the kids how to walk on stilts, jump rope and do cartwheels,” Jack said. “And that was just a few days before I turned 70. It’s been a nice experience.”