ATKINSON - There may not have been much actual sunshine on Tuesday, but a group in Atkinson called The Sunshine Girls did their best to bring joy to local nursing home residents.

The group was started back in March by Diane Alden after nursing homes across the state ceased visitation to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as she wanted to do her part in cheering up residents who were missing their family and friends.

"I decided I could do something for the nursing homes and the elderly in town, something that would bring joy because they're all closed in," Alden said. "I tried to come up with some people who would be able to help out, and I picked Patti (Skrdla) and Sandy (Schrunk) because they're both so fun and they're both the most giving people I've ever met in my life."

"We have some elderly relatives in the area, and it was just nice to be able to spread sunshine," Skrdla said. "It has been exciting, we've had a lot of good laughs and a lot of fun."

The Sunshine Girls have different themes for their visits, and always make sure to bring treats along for the residents to enjoy. The girls say the response from the residents has been overwhelming, with their appearances becoming a regular part of their weekly routines.

"We used to have a schedule to go on Wednesdays and Thursdays, but we waited until Friday one week and some of them were really worried that we quit and they were so glad to see us," Schrunk said.

"When things relaxed a little bit I called the nursing home because they could have visitors for a half-hour, so I asked if they still wanted us to come and they said please do because the residents look forward to it every week," Alden said.

Alden says The Sunshine Girls will continue to visit residents in Atkinson for as long as they want them to.