December 2007 - In America, we sometimes forget how blessed and fortunate we are.  As we gathered with family on Thanksgiving, and as Christmas day approaches, most of us take for granted there will be food on the table to eat and presents under the tree to open.  Unfortunately, both here in America and in many nations around the world, many families and children will go without.  With this in mind, employees and residents of The Heritage Group took advantage of several opportunities to display their giving spirit during the holiday season.

Residents Bake a “Thank You!” for Employees

In November, as employees of Heritage Village Rehab & Skilled Nursing (Gerry) stopped to receive their last paycheck before Thanksgiving, they also received a great surprise.  Residents took turns distributing over 225 loaves of homemade pumpkin bread they had made for the employees and their families.  It was the residents’ way of saying, “Thank you,” for the great care and service they receive.

“What a kind and wonderful gesture,” explains LouAnn LeBarron, Director of Nursing at Heritage Village.  “Our staff was so touched by this tangible gift of gratitude.  We are truly blessed and privileged to care for these precious people!”

The thankfulness and generosity flows in both directions.  Each year in December, employees join the Gerry Free Methodist Church to select residents to purchase Christmas presents for.  The Activities Department creates Christmas tree ornaments with the names of each resident along with a couple of gift ideas.  Residents then receive their special gifts at the annual Heritage Village Christmas party.

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoeboxes.  This program of Samaritan’s Purse provides an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands-on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus Christ, God’s greatest gift.

The power of a simple shoebox gift can be far-reaching, blessing both the child who receives a box and the person who prepares and fills it. This was once again realized by employees and residents of The Heritage Group who filled over fifty shoeboxes that will be shipped this Christmas to happy children around the world.  Through these simple gifts, the message of God's love is being shared and will impact many lives for eternity.

The Salvation Army

On December 13th, employees from The Heritage Group Management Company and Heritage Village Retirement Campus (Gerry) gathered for their Christmas luncheon.  For the second year in a row, while being thanked for their service to the organization, employees took the opportunity to be a blessing to a local family in need.

Through The Salvation Army’s Christmas Assistance Program, a Jamestown-area family was selected through an application process to receive gifts from an area organization.  The particular family chosen for The Heritage Group consists of a single mother with three small children, one of whom has permanent developmental disabilities.  On a limited income, they continue to persevere through great personal and financial struggles.

While being presented with tables full of presents (ranging from clothes to toys, specifically selected for each member of the family), Jolene Holliday, Director of the Comprehensive Financial Assistance Program for The Salvation Army, explained, “She (the mother) will be overwhelmed with the number of presents.  On behalf of the entire family, thank you for your generosity!”  Jolene went on to describe this mother as, “one who never loses hope or her belief in people.  She has helped me remember that, no matter how bad the circumstances are, someone is always there and willing to help!”