Extending a Helpful Hand

According to the USDA, more than 38 million people, including 12 million children, in the United States are food insecure. As a result, over the last year, more than 60 million people turned to food banks and community programs to help put food on the table.

In light of these sobering statistics, community members and staff at Greenspring, an Erickson Senior Living community in Springfield, recently joined forces to address the need for food within the local community.

In November, Greenspring’s wellness team hosted the community’s 19th annual Turkey Trot. The popular event raised over $9,000 for three Washington, D.C. metro area charities: S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat); the Central Union Mission; and the South East White House/DC Dream Center. Thirty staff and community members participated in the “trot” while 76 others donated monetarily to the fundraiser.

Community member Claire Manger has participated in the Turkey Trot for the last sixteen years.

“I really enjoy the Turkey Trot,” she says. “It’s a social gathering of residents happy to contribute to our local food banks. The amount of money raised this year is especially important as there are many homeless, some in shelters, within our local community.”

In addition, Greenspring recently delivered 145 bags of donated, non-perishable food items to ECHO (Ecumenical Community Helping Others), an all-volunteer charitable organization providing emergency needs for food and financial aid to low income residents in the Springfield and Burke regions of Northern Virginia. Greenspring has held the on-campus food drives annually since 2007.

"I am continually amazed at the strong spirit of generosity exhibited by our community members," says Kimberly Nelson, Greenspring’s director of philanthropy. "Throughout the year, these dedicated residents give freely of their time and resources to help those in need both within our Greenspring community, and the greater Springfield community. During the holidays, this kindness magnifies, as together, our community looks for ways to make a difference in the lives of others."

Even on Thanksgiving Day, the Greenspring community extended a hand of friendship – this time to members of the local Fairfax County Police Department. Recognizing the fact that these first responders were unable to share the holiday meal with family, the Greenspring dining services staff, with delivery help from Greenspring’s security team, delivered a warm, hearty meal to the officers at the station.

“We are grateful for opportunity to support those who protect us each and every day,” says Greenspring executive chef Michael Ritt.

A generous community that donates resources and volunteers thousands of hours in service each year, Greenspring residents and staff enjoy the plethora of opportunities available to share their gifts with those in need.

“Greenspring is a five-star community of giving,” says Claire. “We are blessed by the generosity of our residents and staff.”

To learn more about living—and giving—as part of a caring community, request more information about Greenspring today.