Dear Portage County 4H members, and friends of the community,
I cannot express enough the happiness you have brought to our Portage County Seniors during our recent “Valentine’s/Birthday” drive-thru event. With the help of Portage County Extension 4H coordinator Ashley Hughey, you all really made a difference in the lives of our seniors.
It’s no secret that the senior population has suffered exponentially through this last year since they have been particularly vulnerable to the effects of the virus. Those who experience issues with memory loss in addition to mental health problems have been especially vulnerable. They’ve watched some of their fellow senior friends get ill and sadly, some have passed away. It’s been an issue for so many of us, and I’m sure many can relate.
Unfortunately, far too many of our seniors don’t have a good supportive network of family and friends to look after them. Many have family who live in other parts of the country, and for others, they simply don’t have any support at all. Senior Centers become a kind of “second” home where many friendships have been fostered. Senior Centers also serve as a safety net in that they are there for “that 2nd set of eyes” to help with needs that creep up. They provide education, nutrition, and just good fun too.
When the pandemic began, all of this stopped. While we worked to transition to meal delivery, and helped coordinate volunteers to grocery shop and give references for other services, the biggest thing missing that couldn’t be replaced was the socialization. For some, the only time they talk to another human being is when they come here.
When Ashley and I put our heads together to come up with creative ways to alleviate the loneliness that both seniors as well as our youth were experiencing, we never expected the huge response from all of you! My phone continues to ring with thankful seniors who tell me all about the wonderful things they received from you. Candy, stuffed animals, word puzzle books, socks, mugs, etc. etc. I’ve heard all kinds of stories… A senior shared how she has wanted to get a dog but knew she couldn’t take care of it and when she received the little stuffed dog, it made her so happy; another who said that your photos brought back long ago memories from their days on their family farm; several describing the personal photos that really made them feel like family; a few others thought the “sugar-free” things showed how much you were really thinking about them. I’ve heard how they put your colored pictures on their fridges, displayed their balloons, are wearing their socks, and from those who said they have done every puzzle front to back in their books. By far, the most phone calls I receive are from those who are so humbled by all the time taken to personally write letters and cards to each one of them!
You should all feel extremely proud of yourselves. For some of our elderly, just knowing that someone really cares is pulling them through and giving them hope as we work towards the finish line. We are so proud to have you and your families in our community!
LOVE TO YOU ALL!!
Theresa A. Summers
Manager, Portage County Senior Center
