GLEN MILLS, PA - It was a veritable early Christmas at Maris Grove for some local students as gifts in the form of learning tools were put under, and in, trees setup in the lobbies of the community's clubhouses.
Hundreds of items, or six large cartons of school supplies, including pads, pens, pencils, crayons and construction paper were donated to the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) Head Start School in Marcus Hook.
The DCIU is a regional education services agency whose mission is to provide leadership for the development of innovative and cost-effective programs to meet the needs of education throughout the county.
The collection was spearheaded by the Maris Grove Resident Outreach Committee, The group is comprised of dedicated, caring community residents who work to assist those who live inside and outside of Maris Grove. These superb individuals regularly collect food, funds and raise awareness on a variety of issue for the common good.
"The people around here (Maris Grove) are so generous," said Resident Outreach Committee Member Georgia Zinck. "We gain such satisfaction from helping the kids and the teachers are very appreciative of the effort. We are so fortunate so the least we can do is help others whenever possible."
Maris Grove Executive Director Maureen Heckler said, "Once again, the residents at our community have clearly illustrated their desire to make the community a better place. A hearty thank you to the members of the Outreach Committee for all the hard work that they continually do to try and improve the lives of the people, and animals, of this region.These compassionate residents always find a way to make a difference and we are fortunate to call them friends and neighbors."
This past March, the Resident Outreach Committee collected hundreds of clean sheets, blankets and towels for the Faithful Friends Animal Society in Wilmington, DE and the Delaware County SPCA in Media.
Earlier in the year, the Outreach Committee gave a $400 donation to the Chester Children's Chorus and for the past several years they have been selling "Lucinda Pins" at Maris Grove to raise money for various fundraising projects. "Lucinda Pins" are pieces of jewelry used for fundraising efforts by organizations that were created by Lucinda Yates, a one-time homeless mother.
The residents have also successfully raised money for the Domestic Violence Center for Chester County and Mother's Home! a pregnant women's shelter in Darby.
Next month, the Resident Outreach Committee will hold an auction for the Maris Grove Resident Care Fund, which provides future financial support for community residents who may find that they have exhausted their financial resources due to unforeseen circumstances such as long-term illness.
Then, the Outreach Committee will begin the annual holiday food collection drive for local organizations.
About Maris Grove: Maris Grove is one of 17 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living. The scenic 87 acre campus is located in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania and is home to approximately 1,500 residents. Maris Grove is a perfect greater Delaware County destination offering a true sense of community, convenience beyond compare and a sensible financial structure.
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