“Only a life lived for others, is a life worthwhile.” – Albert Einstein
Life Leadership is proud of the difference that Life Members are making in local communities through the Life on Life Initiative. It is rare that a company has people who are passionate about making a difference and who continue to participate in consistent acts of service that fill the needs of those less fortunate, those forgotten, those who are lonely and those who have a hard time functioning in society. However, Life Leadership continues to be the exception.
On Sunday, February 14th, 2016 (Valentine’s Day), volunteers from Life Leadership organized a day of love and service for the residents at an Assisted Living facility called Golden Years, in Walworth, Wisconsin. Here are the details, written by Life Member, Kevin Swedberg:
We started by gathering at a local school and filling out Valentine’s cards for residents at Golden Years, a local Assisted Living facility. There were approximately 50 residents that we planned to meet, visit and share a gift with to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Even though it was a snowy day, several families were still able to attend the event.
One of our teammates works at the facility in food service, so she was able to coordinate with the activities director to have a list of the resident’s names so we could personalize the cards. We also decided to provide a small gift for each of them to show them they were thought of and loved. A local grocery store, Sentry Foods in Walworth, offered to donate Carnations to us for the event so that we could give one to each of the residents.
“At Golden Years, I count it a privilege to serve these special residents everyday. Our Life Leadership team was blessed on Valentine’s Day to spend time with them. It really made our day to see their smiles of delight and hear of their gratitude over a simple act of kindness. How sweet it is to make a difference in someone elses life. We enjoyed visiting with the residents and we look forward to serving here again.” – Becky Featherstone (Life Leadership Member)
When we arrived at the facility, we began going from room to room looking for each resident that we had a Valentine card for. We also handed them a Carnation and a handmade wooden cross (if they wanted it).
“Many of the residents clutched the flower and cross with a smile, and repeatedly thanked everyone who visited them.” – Kevin Swedberg (Life Leadership Member)
Among one of the residents was a woman who was celebrating her 108th birthday:
Each of the residents smiled as we were able to briefly meet and talk with them. The kids especially brought smiles to many faces.
Because we had extra Carnations, we were able to share them with all of the nursing staff and aides as well. Overall, we all had a lot of fun and met some new friends and several of us plan to keep a close connection with the new friend’s that we met.
“It was great to be with my family on Valentine’s Day sharing love with others who may feel forgotten on such a holiday.” – Tim Harmon (Life Leadership Member)
“It was an awesome opportunity for my kids to reach out to the community and brighten someone elses day. My daughter is still talking about one gentleman who was so excited that we came to visit him and bring him a cross.” – Glenda Harmon (Life Leadership Member)
“It was a great opportunity for Life Leadership families to serve with adults and children participating together. We all enjoyed the day. There were lots of smiles from everyone.” – Lon and Jill Weberg (Life Leadership Members)
“It was such an honor to represent Jesus Christ in showing love to some of the residents at Golden Years. Being able to gather as a team and reach out to people who might not even get a visitor on Valentine’s Day was something special. Seeing the looks on their faces as our kid’s handed them a card and a flower was worth every minute!” – Jeni Swedberg (Life Leadership Member)
Thank you to all of the Life Leadership Members from UP Team Transformation, under the leadership of George and Jill Guzzardo, for showing kindness and love on Valentine’s Day for the residents at Golden Years.
If you participated in this Life on Life Initiative or were inspired by this story, please be sure to share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Life Leadership: Setting People Free
Lloyd Weiler says
Amazing to be involved with a community that knows how to serve and bless others!
Dorcas says
That is a good gesture to remember the elderly. Our Bishop also recognized all the women in the church by giving them a flower whether single or married. Some African men do not value flowers but another Evangelist said it is better you take the flowers to him when he is alive then giving them when he is dead. Don’t you think that is true?