Marian Ernst had an important job on Random Acts of Kindness Day. She surprised students at UW-Fox Valley with a delicious treat.
"I saw people getting cookies and I'm like, 'Oh, can I get it a cookie?' It was good. I liked it. It made me happy," said sophomore Noah Lindberg.
Ernst handed out the goodies alongside her new friends from Primrose Retirement Community which is set to open its Appleton location in the fall.
"By giving things out, whether it's a cookie or a smile or whatever, it's important," Ernst said.
"These kids work so hard and their little brains are frazzled, and it's so neat to be able to do something, just a little nice thing for them," Tommie Witthuhn added.
Freshman Elise DeBruin said the gift did more than satisfy her sweet tooth.
"It means that you know people really care out there and try to make other people happy. It made me happy, and I want to do the same for others," she chuckled.
DeBruin was an extra lucky recipient. Her cookie bag was one of the few that contained a bonus $10 Amazon gift card.
"I think that's awesome. I'm probably going to use it for my schoolbooks."
Primrose Executive Director Breeze Skorupski said the activity also benefits the seniors.
"We want our residents to still feel a part of their community here in Appleton and across every Primrose location, that they still feel they're part of their town and their culture and what they bring to the table."
The heartfelt activity serves as a bridge between two different generations.
"Just because you're young and I'm older doesn't mean we don't have a connection," said Ernst.
Witthuhn added, "These young people are our future and we are the wisdom. We can share with them our life experiences and encourage them to go forward."
All of Primrose's 37 locations in 16 states took part in Random Acts of Kindness Day to spread joy to others.
"It makes you feel good," said Ernst.
