Keiro Retirement Home and Keiro Intermediate Care Facility residents enjoyed interacting with USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association volunteers who visited Keiro as part of the inaugural USC Alumni Day of SCervice on March 24.
On this day, Trojans from Boise, Idaho to Cape Town, South Africa rolled up their sleeves to volunteer for local community service projects.
The volunteers at Keiro planned fun activities that also supported the residents’ overall wellness. To promote health and fitness, USC volunteers led an aerobic dance exercise with upbeat dance routines. To promote social engagement and mental wellness, volunteers also led a casino day for the residents.
Casino day was a fun-filled event that included poker, blackjack, and roulette. KTLA news anchor Frank Buckley was among the 40 USC alumni who spent the day bringing enjoyment and laughter to the residents. After the games concluded, residents selected prizes from the dozens of USC T-shirts, mugs, pens, and other items donated by USC and other community members.
In keeping with the often-heard observation “everyone is connected at Keiro,” USC alumni were thrilled to meet a fellow alumnus, Keiro Retirement Home resident Herbert Murayama, who graduated in 1949 under the G.I. Bill.
“I was surprised and delighted to see so many enthusiastic USC alumni here for the benefit of Keiro,” said Murayama, a World War II veteran and Congressional Gold Medal recipient. “I also learned that Frank Buckley’s mom was from Utsunomiya, Japan, where my cousin was from!”
“What a wonderful opportunity for USC alumni to engage with the residents of Keiro,” said Deena Lew, APAA board member. “It was a very proud day to be a Trojan.”
“Volunteers are critical partners in helping further Keiro’s mission, to enhance the quality of senior life in our community,” said Brandon Masashige Leong, Keiro’s community resources manager. “We hope that others from our community will join the USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association in giving back to the seniors at Keiro.”
To become a volunteer, visit www.keiro.org or call (323) 980-2352.
