Residents of Chapin Assisted Living Facility count and share their blessings
Chapin, SC (Paul Kirby) – Residents of Generations of Chapin, a facility that assist people no longer able to fully care for themselves at home, have been counting their many blessings in preparation for Thanksgiving and Christmas. They are also preparing to share some of their bounty with others. Much of what they are thankful for shows up in the arts and crafts projects they do.
As Thanksgiving approaches, one of the projects the residents have worked on is a Tree of Thanks. The tree’s trunk was cut from brown craft material. Then, the residents were able to label decorative, fall colored leaves with all the things they are thankful for. Some of the blessings included on the tree were God, life, their health, friends, family, and even good parents. One resident made it very clear by labeling a leaf that read, “For God loving me.” Once the leaves were decorated, they were stuck to the tree for everyone to enjoy.
In an effort to share their thanks, the residents have also packed eight shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. There are four for girls and four for boys. These are sent to children who may not be as blessed at Christmas because of various reasons.
Operation Christmas Child is a program of Samaritan’s Purse International. According to their website at www.samaritanspurse.org, people who want to help start with an average-size cardboard or plastic shoe box. If you want to wrap it, cover the box and lid separately. Then, decide whether you will pack a box for a girl or a boy and in what age category. They ages are: 2–4, 5–9, or 10–14. Next, they ask that you select an age appropriate medium to large “wow” item such as a soccer ball with a pump or a stuffed animal. Then finish filling the box with other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift. You can also include a personal note and photo. Then you simply drop your box or boxes off at any location found on the webpage. In Chapin, the drop-off location is at Chapin Baptist Church. There are many more across Lexington County.
You can also donate $9.00 online and receive a label to follow your box and discover its destination if you are interested. You can donate over the website at www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box#. You can even buy colorful cardboard boxes from the site if you don’t have any. You still have seven days to pack a box as the program’s cutoff is November 25th.
As the holidays near, the residents of Generations will continue in their efforts to show and share their love for others. If you’d like to learn more, stop by the facility on East Boundary Street in Chapin or check out their website at https://www.scgenerationsseniorcare.com/generations-of-chapin.
