Illinois Nursing Homes Reach Out to Help Victims of Hurricane Katrina - Part II

This week the Close-Up features more accounts of how the residents and staff of Illinois nursing homes organized fundraisers and other service projects to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Facilities opened their doors as community drop-off points for clothing, bottled water, personal care items, paper products, non-perishable food, disposable products, and other supplies. Behind these stories are countless examples of the care and compassion of those living and working in today's long term care facilities.

Harmony Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Chicago celebrated Hot Dog Month by declaring a special day to "eat a hot dog for lunch and help the victims of Katrina." All the profits from the sales were given to the relief efforts. "Our Resident Council president had the idea and the residents helped with all aspects of the fund-raiser," said Victoria Scott-Swirin, assistant activity director. A total of $85 dollars was raised by the end of the day.

Mayfield Care Center in Chicago gathered non-perishable food items, water, and paper products over several weeks. "The response was wonderful," said April Brownlee, activity director. "The residents not only helped collect, sort, and pack the items, they also bought canned goods," added Ms. Brownlee. As each boxed was sealed, the residents asked a personal note of encouragement for the survivors.

Maplewood Care in Elgin collected toiletries, clothing, and non-perishable food items for the American Red Cross. They also raised $6,300.00 for the relief effort. This amount was matched dollar for dollar by two different sources for a total of $18,900.00. "Our residents helped organize the facility's relief activities," said Pawn Thammarath, assistant administrator. "Many gave money from their limited funds because they wanted to help those who were devastated by Hurricane Katrina."

Park Ridge Care Center in Park Ridge was asked by the American Red Cross to provide skilled nursing care for a wheelchair-bound individual from the Gulf Coast. The gentleman had been living in an apartment prior to the hurricane, but now needed nursing care. He was airlifted from the Gulf Coast and brought to the nursing home. "He came with nothing, so the staff and residents gathered clothing, shoes, and toiletries for him," said Rob Weisz, administrator. Once he was stable he was able to go and live with an American Red Cross volunteer.

Pavilion of Waukegan decided to make and sell a variety of food items to the residents, staff, visitors, and community to raise money for the survivors of Katrina. "We've got some really good bakers and cooks who stepped forward and used their talents to help others," explained Lourdes Mujica, activity director. The effort has been so successful, that the facility will continue the fundraiser through the end of October. At the time this goes to press, donations total about $300.00.

Riviera Manor Nursing Home in Chicago Heights offered the staff an opportunity to donate to the facility's Hurricane Relief Fund through payroll deductions. "Not everyone can give a lot, but every dollar helps," said Richard Potekin, administrator. "I am proud of my staff's response and am matching their $1,500.00 total."

Skokie Meadows Nursing Center II in Skokie held a variety of fundraising activities. They have held raffles and bake sales. Monetary donations were also accepted. "The residents were the driving force behind these projects," explained Mary Grace, a social worker at Skokie Meadows II. "The staff supported their efforts by baking and bringing things for the raffle. "The residents and staff raised $862.00, which will be matched by the administrator. "The residents care deeply for the individuals who have lost so much and hope their efforts will help ease the suffering of the survivors," added Ms. Grace. The residents made a "Good Luck" card, which accompanied the check.

Snow Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lisle asked the employees to donate money and clothes for the relief effort. "The response was wonderful," said Sandy Larson, administrator. "We raised $930.00, which was matched dollar for dollar by the management company." The staff has also organized a clothing drive, which will help support the American Red Cross relief effort.

Terrace Nursing Home located in Waukegan held a Candlelight Vigil for the residents, staff, families, and community to come together and pray for the victims of Katrina. The vigil was held on September 6th and got a huge response. "I was moved by how many individuals came together in prayer for the people of the Gulf Coast," said Kathy Plecher, resident services director. Donations were collected for the American Red Cross that evening and continued through September 10th. "We tried to do our part to help the American Red Cross with their relief efforts."

Tower Hill Healthcare Center in South Elgin collected monetary donations for the Tribune McCormick Foundation, which matched the funds collected to help the victims. Tower Hill's management company also matched the amount collected dollar for dollar, for the first $1000. The total collected including the facility's match was $2,400.00. "The residents made donations as they were able," said Jeremy Amster, administrator. "They also helped organize and box the medical supplies we collected for survivors being housed at the Elgin Mental Health Center."

Washington Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation in Chicago collecting clothing and household supplies requested by the American Red Cross. "The residents gathered the donations as they came in and helped organize them," said Melody Parks, administrator. "Everyone was very generous, not only by bringing the items requested, but with monetary donations as well." A total of $400.00 was collected for the American Red Cross along with the supplies. The management company matched this amount dollar for dollar.

Willow Creek Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Sandwich collected new/used clothing for the survivors of Katrina. Non-perishable food items and toiletries were also collected. "We were able to send everything directly to the St. Louis area shelters housing the evacuees," explained Joni Reid, LPN. "The residents are glad they could be a part of the relief effort to help those who lost everything."

Westmont Convalescent Center in Westmont placed a baby crib draped with an American flag near the front lobby. "Two residents volunteered for shifts to sit beside the crib and collect monetary donations throughout the day," explained Patricia Hiscox, activity director. Other fundraising events included a hot dog lunch, candy bar sales, popcorn sales, a series of 50/50 card games, and cash bingo. One of the most successful activities was a phone-a-thon. The residents gathered in the activity room and called their families, friends, and members of the community to ask for donations. "The residents had a good time calling everyone and watching the pledges mount up," said Ms. Hiscox. "We also benefited from an organization which tripled the $50 donation from one of its members," added Ms. Hiscox. Westmont Convalescent Center's owner matched the total donations dollar for dollar. The pledges and matching gifts totaled more than $1100. "The residents feel a sense of pride knowing they helped seniors, children, families, and others displaced by this horrible disaster," said Dawn King, assistant activity director.

Financial Aid Provided by Other Facilities

Many other Illinois Council facilities engaged in fundraising activities for the benefit of the Hurricane Katrina evacuees. The facilities' management company matched the dollar amounts listed.

• Concord Extended Care, Oak Lawn - $200.00

• Grasmere Place, Chicago - $476.00

• McKinley Health Care Center, Decatur - $1,116.00

• Tri-State Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Lansing - $200.00

• Wheaton Care Center, Wheaton - $372.00

"We are proud of the residents, staff, families, volunteers, owners, and management companies of Illinois nursing facilities, who have demonstrated their `commitment to caring' by their efforts to help the Hurricane Katrina survivors," said Terrence Sullivan, executive director of the Illinois Council on Long Term Care. "Even though this story is no longer `front page news,' the Illinois nursing home community will continue to do all it can to provide comfort, support, and relief to those whose lives were devastated by this terrible disaster."