Make A Difference Day, Oct. 27th

This Saturday, October 27th, is National Make A Difference Day.  This would be a good weekend to get your family involved in some type of volunteer work, or doing something helpful for one of your neighbors.  There are many organizations in our community that are always looking for a helping hand, and it is never too early to get children involved.  The Plymouth Community Arts Council is making available an opportunity for families to stop in and make greeting cards for my non-profit organization, "Snail Mail For Seniors", on Sunday, Oct. 28th, between the hours of 2 - 4pm.   We send out 800 cards each month to senior citizens residing in assisted living and nursing homes across the state, and can only continue to do so as long we keep receiving cards to mail out.  This is a drop-in workshop, no reservations necessary. The facility is located at 774 N. Sheldon Rd., Plymouth.  All supplies will be provided.   If that time is not good for you, how about making some greeting cards in your home with the family while watching the World Series!  Cards and other donations can be dropped off anytime at Waltonwood Assisted Living Home at 2000 Canton Center Rd., at the front desk.  To get more information about our organization, you can look at our website: www.snailmailforseniors.com, or check out our facebook page:

 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Snail-Mail-For-Seniors/124492997569226

Questions may be sent to: snailsmiles@hotmail.com

I've been told that our mail is often the only mail these lonely seniors ever receive, and they are so thrilled when they get our cards.  It is important for them to know they haven't been forgotten.

 If card making isn't your thing, consider doing something else for a nursing home near you.  Call and ask the Activity Director how you can help.  They often are looking for people to help with bingo, read to people, help with crafts, etc.  Or, how about making some Detroit Tiger or Lions banners or pictures and drop them off so they can be used as decorations?  Ask if you can bring your kids and some friends in wearing their Halloween costumes. Have your kids color on construction paper and make placemats for the staff to use on meal trays, or make paper turkeys for Thanksgiving.  Do you have piles of Beanie Babies in storage?  Donate those to nursing homes.  One place used some of mine for bingo prizes, or to comfort anxious seniors.  Decorate mini pumpkins and drop them off.  Be creative!  Food items may not be accepted at some places, though.  After spending many years visiting my grandmother in a nursing home and then volunteering in one, I know how much the seniors appreciate being remembered.  Maybe for this "Make A Difference Day", you can make the difference for a lonely senior citizen.