By COOPER SLOUGH and BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Sharon Leuenberger, coordinator of Good Samaritan Society Adult Day Services, 220 E. Eighth, is always looking for new and different activities for clients.

She recently contacted Hays Academy of Hair Design, 1214 E. 27th, to see if the school’s students would be interested in providing manicures.

They were.

“We always want to jump on any opportunity to perform charity events,” said Morgan Pfeifer, Hays Academy of Hair Design instructor.

“It’s an amazing experience for the students because they get to see the ‘outside world’ and not just be in the salon, and also see how they can help the community with the services they provide,” Pfeifer said.

There were 12 spots open for the free manicures and all 12 were filled, according to Leuenberger.

In addition to clients of Good Samaritan Society Adult Day Services, residents from Centennial Towers, and other seniors from the community signed up.

Ashley Springer was one of the Hays Academy of Hair Design students who spent Wednesday morning giving manicures and chatting with the elderly women.

“It’s a good philanthropy project,” said Springer, “and a good opportunity for us to be in the community and meet new people, to offer what we have to them and give back (to the community.”)

The 12 women who enjoyed the manicures all agreed it was a “nice” experience being “catered to” and “nice to get out.” “It makes you feel like somebody,” said one woman who was seated in her wheelchair.

“It felt really good. She did a good job,” said one woman as she smiled, showing off the fresh polish–a deep burgundy color–on her fingernails.