Seniors support the Village Project

March was indeed a very busy month around the West Shore, but not too busy for many good-hearted men and women to gather to celebrate the early spring holidays while benefiting an organization close to their hearts. Two local senior communities held events during the month that resulted not only in fun and fellowship for the residents, but also provided much-needed financial support and seasonal treats for the clients of the Village Project.

First up was a special St. Patrick’s Day party at Westlake Village which drew a crowd of approximately 75 people. The event featured much wearing o’ the green and singing of traditional Irish songs led by the activities coordinator, Lisa Harrington. Lucky leprechaun guests dined on potato pancakes and corned beef sandwiches and washed it down with green beer and green punch. And as Irish eyes were smiling, the generosity flowed from the residents and their guests. 

A total of $400 was donated at the event to the Village Project to help continue their work of providing meals and other support to individuals and their families who have been touched by cancer. A grateful executive director of the Village Project Barb Harrell said, “The event was incredible. The community’s ongoing support and encouragement is a tremendous blessing!”

Just a week later, four women gathered at Independence Village of Avon Lake to put together special Easter treats which were delivered to Village Project clients along with their meals during the week before Easter. The felt baskets contained note cards, pens, candy and other gifts. The Village Project would like to thank Mary Jane, Helen, Betty and Maggie for adding a ray of sunshine to the clients’ days. One of the kind ladies, Mary Jane Fowler, expressed her own thoughts on the experience: “Hopefully, the clients enjoyed the baskets as much as we enjoyed shopping and compiling the treats.” It seems that good works always come full circle.

The mission of the two-year-old Village Project is “to come together as a community of all ages to provide nourishing meals and extended care and service to our neighbors experiencing cancer.” Thanks to the high school students who prepare the weekly meals, to the adults and teenagers who tend the organization’s garden, deliver the meals and assist clients with household chores, and to these generous seniors who have helped to make it all possible, the Village Project continues to thrive and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors in crisis. If you would like to help or are interested in more information, please contact Barb Harrell at 440-348-9401.

Diane Frye

I am a Bay Village resident and a volunteer for The Food Project. 

Read More on Community Service
Volume 5, Issue 8, Posted 10:48 AM, 04.16.2013