Because no student should sit alone at the lunch table

Four students at a Boca Raton high school noticed that sometimes, fellow students ate lunch alone. Having been in that awkward, uncomfortable position themselves, they decided to do something about it. They banded together to form a club called We Dine Together.

During the school's lunch break, club members roam the courtyard and seek out students sitting alone. They introduce themselves and strike up a conversation. Hopefully, the connections made will help new or socially isolated students feel part of their school community. The club hopes their program becomes a model for others across the country.

A few months ago, I highlighted a similar connectional program. That one, Sit With Us, is a free smartphone app created by a California student. She too had felt the pain of sitting alone at school lunch. The purpose is the same - to reach out and create a welcoming community to every student in the school.

The empathy shown by these sensitive students is a credit to them, their families, and their school communities. Instead of complaining about a problem, they found a way to be part of the solution.

He's not alone anymore

One of the regular customers at the Leeds, England grocery store where Ellie Walker works is 86-year-old Edwin Holmes. He chats up the employees and other customers, and most everyone there knows him by name.
At Christmastime, 22-year-old Ellie learned that Edwin would spend the holidays alone. His wife died years ago, and his adult daughter and grandchildren live in Australia. Ellie invited him to join her for a holiday dinner.

Edwin showed up for the dinner in his best suit, and even brought flowers for his 'date.' The unlikely duo had a lovely time. They still meet for coffee and long talks. Both of them feel their lives are richer for this cross-generational friendship.