They Give From The Heart

If you’ve ever laughed at a comedic actor who pulls out a list and watches it quickly unroll to a great length, then you’ve also seen a representation of the annual “list” that Volunteers for Mental Health attempts to fulfill each year. Last year the list had over 260 names on it, and this year it has grown to 272 adults in need in our community – a long list and a large task that the Volunteers have been tackling for over 40 years. “It’s amazing! Everyone knows their role and fulfills their role,” said Kym Bushong, who has worked coordinating the project for many years when describing the extensive process.

Fortunately, there are some other lists of individuals who lighten the load helping transform wishes to gifts for adults in local long-term care facilities, homeless shelters, recovery facilities, and group homes. This marvelous list of helpers begins with Jessica Barnhart and Kayla Datzman and the energetic elves of Southmont FCCLA. These students have already constructed 6-item toiletry kits that each client will be given. FCCLA will follow this up by collecting items at Downtown Party Night, and then fulfilling orders at the VMHMC annual Stuff-a-Thon. Joining them will be service-minded students at North Montgomery including Libby Allen’s Student Council, health careers members, honor society members, and members of several other NMHS service organizations who will wrap every gift in 270 big bags of gifts and help deliver them.

Six exemplary VMHMC student board members are helping lead the efforts this year: Hayden Jeffries and Kristen Thompson (Crawfordsville HS), Ryan Hopper and Clauddia Smedley (North Montgomery HS), plus Jessie Bradley and Evelyn Zachary (Southmont HS).

First Christian Church scouts and Worship on Wednesday youth are also involved in coordinating materials and creating individual cards for each Gift Lift recipient.

Of course, an essential list of contributors are the special individuals who donate clothing and other requested items to the community locations or provide monetary donations to purchase special items.

“All of the gifts that individuals receive start with a dream, and our wonderful community members make the dreams come true with their generosity!” remarked Denise Walker who also works with the program. VMHMC is a member of the United Way family.

Collection containers will be available at the following locations until Thanksgiving week.

Donations will also be welcomed next to Harry’s Hideout from 6 – 8 p.m. at Downtown Party Night.

Monetary donations are greatly appreciated, and may be sent to VMHMC, Post Office Box 491, Crawfordsville, IN 47933.

Further information about the Gift Lift program, including a list of gift suggestions is available on the www.vmhmc.org website.

For further information, please contact: Denise Booher Walker at 765-275-2689 or 765-307-0362 e-mail – [email protected]