4 Hours Equals 4,500 Jars of Peanut Butter by Eagle's Trace Volunteers

January 23, 2014

HOUSTON, TX---When they dip their snacks during the Super Bowl or make their grandkids a lunchtime sandwich, twenty-one residents and employees of Eagle's Trace will have a new appreciation for peanut butter.
On January 9th, the group from the Erickson Living retirement community traveled to the Houston Peanut Butter Cannery of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints in Houston.  There, they donated a four-hour shift under the watchful eye of the Church's experienced staff. 
After receiving a peanut butter production primer, the team went to work.  From unloading the peanuts to placing jars on the conveyor belt to stacking jars on pallets, each volunteer received an appropriate task.
The end result was a boon for local charity: the Eagle's Trace shift produced 4,500 jars of peanut butter, processing nearly 10,000 pounds of raw peanuts.  The jars are shipped to food banks in Harris and Montgomery Counties and the City of Houston. 
"This is our third year volunteering with the Cannery, and the 'wow' factor is still there," stated Pat Osborne, member of the Eagle's Trace Community Outreach Committee.  "We were the first shift of 2014 so we came away with a greater understanding of what it takes to manufacture peanut butter and make this massive operation a success."
Because of its popularity and long shelf life, peanut butter is one of the most requested items at food banks and shelters.  That motivated Eagle's Trace resident Pauline Goodwin to participate...again.
"This is my second time helping, and I truly enjoy the experience.  It makes you feel good to give back," stated the former resident of Memorial.
There is another benefit to volunteering at the Cannery: everyone receives a jar of peanut butter, which led to an amazing first for Ms. Goodwin.
"Growing up in England, I never had a peanut butter sandwich," Ms. Goodwin described.  "But because of this project, I can say that I now have at the age of 80."
There will be future opportunities for Eagle's Trace residents and employees to volunteer, according to Ms. Osborne.
"We are scheduled to return in May and already have a waiting list.  We are grateful for the opportunity at the Cannery to help the local community and for the participation and encouragement of our Executive Director at Eagle's Trace, Ben Cornthwaite," Ms. Osborne stated.

About Eagle's Trace:  Eagle's Trace is one of seventeen continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living.  Located in Houston, Texas, the scenic 70-acre campus is home to more than 600 residents.  Eagle's Trace is the ideal greater Houston retirement destination offering a true sense of community, convenience beyond compare and a sensible financial structure.

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