Highland Springs Residents Support Kids Against Hunger

Dallas, Texas—When it comes to helping others, the residents of Highland Springs never hesitate to roll up their sleeves to support a worthy cause.

That generous spirit was on display again on August 14 as the community came together to support Kids Against Hunger, a non-profit humanitarian organization with a mission to provide fully nutritious food to impoverished children and families around the world…and around the corner.  

More than 170 resident volunteers measured ingredients, sealed packages and boxed highly nutritious, life-saving meals that were sent to the North Texas Food Bank and faith-based organizations in McAllen.  In fact, Team Highland Springs made 19,680 meals in just six hours, exceeding their goal by nearly 4,000.  The project was funded by Highland Springs and the community's Interfaith Advisory Council (IAC).

Delores Garbarini was one of those residents who participated.  She moved to the Erickson Living retirement community in December, 2016 with her husband, Joe.  The couple had previously volunteered for Meals on Wheels.

"In the 21st century, it is tragic that people still go to bed hungry.  Supporting Kids Against Hunger is one tangible way in which we can help to alleviate this situation," stated Mrs. Garbarini, a retired human resources director and consultant.  "The event was truly a heart-warming show of kindness from the residents of Highland Springs."

Pastor Jamie Bruning agrees.  She serves as the community's Pastoral Ministries Coordinator.  

"We partner with Kids Against Hunger every other year, and there are always residents who volunteer to do extra shifts," noted Pastor Jamie.  "Even though they will likely never meet the people who will receive the meals, everyone realizes the significance of the project.  We look forward to participating again."

The goal of Kids Against Hunger is for the meals to provide a stable nutritional base from which recipients can move toward self-sufficiency.  According to the organization, their meals have been formulated by food scientists to provide a rich source of protein, carbohydrates and vitamins needed by children.  The food also accommodates the broad diversity of ethnic tastes and religious customs around the world.  The meals are easy to package, keep for long periods of time and require only boiling water to prepare.  More information can be found by visiting www.kidsagainsthunger.org.

About Highland Springs: Highland Springs, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 89-acre campus in North Dallas, Texas.  The not-for-profit community of more than 1,000 residents and 520 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of Highland Springs.  Additional information can be found at http://highlandspringscommunity.com.