Project Deliver the LOVE to bring Joy to Perry Elder Citizens

Elder loneliness is a silent epidemic affecting the health and well-being of our “invisible elders” living at home and in senior care communities right here in Perry. Studies have shown that more than forty percent of those age 65 and over regularly experience loneliness. These feelings of separation, disconnection and isolation lead to serious health problems such as depression and dementia, as well as an increased likelihood of death.

“Project Deliver the LOVE” is a fun way for the community to StepUp together with Perry Lutheran Homes to celebrate, serve, and engage with elderly citizens. Two hundred volunteers will be joining in the fun and will “Deliver the LOVE” to over 300 elder citizens on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Sign up for one-hour shifts anytime from 9AM to 4PM and choose to either assemble baskets or hand-deliver the “love” or both! Sign-up easily online HERE! Or, email or call Sara Nefzger at Perry Lutheran Homes: snefzger@perrylutheranhomes.org or 515-465-5316.

“Project Deliver the LOVE” was Inspired by Perry Lutheran Homes StepUp Movement (Serving Together our Elders with Passion) to take notice of and StepUp to serve elders that are lonely, afraid, hungry or forgotten, and also by past initiatives to bring the community together to fight hunger through 100,000 meals packed in four years at Perry Lutheran Homes through Meals from the Heartland.

“The community of Perry and Dallas County still has elders that are lonely. Some are afraid and hungry. Many feel forgotten. Nothing is more exciting to see than the community SteppingUp and making sure we do everything we can to celebrate and take care of our elders physically, mentally, spiritually and more,” said Melissa Gannon, COO and Administrator of Perry Lutheran Homes.

Community members are encouraged to think about elders they know who are age 75 or older, live in Perry, or within a 10-mile radius of Perry, and would experience joy by receiving a personal visit and a basket filled with food, fun and encouragement. Submit elders online at: https://perrylutheranhome.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/project-deliver-the-love

“The goal for ‘Project Deliver the LOVE’ is that the connections formed continue beyond the delivery of the basket on May 12. The hope is that this project helps to form connections between elders and community members that lead to additional visits, conversations, food, smiles and joy. It can be as simple as stopping by to visit, sending a card, or bringing over a meal. The simplest of things can also be the most meaningful helping our elders to remember they are loved and not forgotten,” expresses Wanda Pritzel, Director of Charitable Giving for Perry Lutheran Homes.

The basket packing and assembly will take place at Perry Lutheran Homes Eden Acres Campus located at 1300 28th Street, Perry. Basket packing shifts start at 9AM with the last packing shift starting at 3PM, and volunteers will need to be age 12 and over to pack. Basket delivery shifts start at 10AM with the last delivery shift starting at 4PM, and volunteers will need to be age 16 and over with a valid driver’s license to deliver.

Medium to large baskets with handles are needed to make “Project Deliver the LOVE” a success. Baskets can be dropped off at Perry Lutheran Homes’ Eden Acres Campus at 1300 28th Street, Perry. Specific food items are also needed. Contact Wanda Pritzel to learn more about food items at wpritzel@perrylutheranhomes.org or 515-570-2310.

Sign-up online today to “Deliver the LOVE” and bring joy to elder citizens. Email or call Sara Nefzger at Perry Lutheran Homes: snefzger@perrylutheranhomes.org or 515-465-5316.