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Friday, December 05, 2008 10:31 AM Program watches over older angels By Eddie Fitzgerald | Times Staff Writer If you are looking for something a little different this Christmas holiday, consider becoming a guardian angel. Wilson County's Department of Social Services has put up its Guardian Angel Tree once again this year to help older adults in need. Barbara Massey, DSS's Adult Services co-team leader, said DSS's Adult Intervention Team works with individuals in nursing homes and independent living who have no family support and limited financial resources that are mostly used for the cost of their care. Many of them can use a helping hand this time of year, she said. This year DSS has 19 angels on the tree. DSS does not release the names of the adults due to confidentiality concerns but will match them with a guardian willing to meet their needs. For the past four years, Mary Kathryn Rowe, who works at DSS, has sponsored an angel and says she gets a sense of fulfillment from the program. "I love it," Rowe said. "It gives me the opportunity to give back." Rowe said a sponsor could put whatever they wish into the gifts. "It's just a very good feeling," she said. "I've been a truly blessed individual, so I feel I want to give back." Charlene Hill, Adult Services co-team leader, said the wards or angels enjoy the gifts and attention. "They are very appreciative and very thankful," Hill said. "Of course, it makes them happy. They feel cared for and love to have someone think about them enough to do those things. They are very thankful to have something at Christmas and not feel left out." Massey said most of the adults receive gifts such as clothes, socks, underwear and lotion, things we take for granted. DSS provides the sponsors with a list of their needs. People who participate in the program have until next Friday to donate their gifts to DSS so they can be delivered before Christmas. Massey said years ago DSS depended on people within the agency to provided Christmas gifts for the adult angels. But since public relations specialist Ron Hunt started writing about the Guardian Angel Tree program in DSS's county report, the response has been amazing. Hunt said it is an opportunity for the community to connect and share the experiences of the holidays with others less fortunate. Anyone interested in sponsoring an individual may contact Massey at 206-4160 or Hill at 206-4173. eddie@wilsontimes.com | 265-7820 |
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Jenna said...
This is such a wonderful story. This is something that is "good" and those people I am sure appreciate it. That is what Christmas should be about---Love.
Friday, December 05, 2008 at 10:43 PM
This is such a wonderful story. This is something that is "good" and those people I am sure appreciate it. That is what Christmas should be about---Love.
Friday, December 05, 2008 at 10:43 PM
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