Portage Michigan, - For many seniors in the Southwestern Michigan area, the holidays can often be a very lonely time of the year. Local home care agency Fresh Perspective president, David Conner, is determined to change that for as many seniors as possible. For the past two years, he has sponsored a “Holiday Hugs for Seniors” program, that provides local area seniors with goodies and blankets to help spread the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Last year he was able to provide over 200 Holiday Hugs packages to seniors, and is hoping to increase that number for the 2009 Holiday Season, with the help from his friends at The Blueberry Store in South Haven, and Leduc Blueberry Farms in Paw Paw. “It’
Although David and his friends donate a large portion of the blankets and other items provided to the Hugs program, he does accept donations from other businesses and the community. “It really is about giving back ” commented Shelly Hartmann, owner of the Blueberry Store in South Haven, “and we encourage others to help spread the joy of the season by helping out.”
“This is wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those around us” states David. “The need seems to be especially great this year with what we are experiencing in the Michigan economy, and some of those we see are truly alone. We just want to make sure that they know they are not forgotten.”
Service Organizations, churches and individuals in the community provide the names of the seniors who would benefit from a “Holiday Hug” visit and gift. The distribution of gifts is scheduled through Fresh Perspective, with many of their employees volunteering their time to reach out to seniors in need.
Please call Fresh Perspective at 269- 329-4717 if you know of someone who might benefit from a “Holiday Hugs” visit, or if you would like to donate blankets or other items for the program.
