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Volunteer holiday sponsors needed for nursing home residents

November 16, 2017

In keeping with the spirit of holiday giving, the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill in Smyrna and the Governor Bacon Health Center in Delaware City are asking members of the community to sponsor a resident at either of these nursing homes operated by the Department of Health and Social Services. Since many residents have little family involvement or support, the two nursing homes rely on the generosity of community members including neighbors, local businesses, community organizations and volunteers to help fulfill resident wishes at the holidays through the Adopt-A-Resident Program.

"Reaching out to the residents of the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill and the Governor Bacon Health Center is about lifting up our neighbors in need and showing that we care," said Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Department of Health and Social Services secretary. "At the holidays, I can't think of anything more important than that. Each year, we are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community for our residents at DHCI and Governor Bacon."

Members of the community, as individuals or as groups, can participate in Adopt-A-Resident at Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill or Governor Bacon Health Center in one of three ways:

  • Adopt-A-Resident: Sponsors are provided with the identification code and the wish list of a resident. The sponsor is asked to buy the wish list items and deliver them unwrapped in a gift bag to the Volunteer Services office at the facility of their choice. Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill is at 100 Sunnyside Road, Smyrna. Governor Bacon Health Center is at 248 Kent Ave., Delaware City.
  • Monetary donation: Make a donation by gift card or check and leave the shopping to staff at DHCI or GBHC. Donations may be mailed to Volunteer Services Office: Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, 100 Sunnyside Road, Smyrna, DE 19977 or Governor Bacon Health Center, P.O. Box 559, Delaware City, DE 19706
  • General donation: Buy items from the list of suggested gifts that can be emailed or picked up in the lobby at each facility. These items are utilized during the holidays to fill gift bags for residents who have not been adopted and also throughout the year to fill resident birthday bags and special requests.

To participate, email Jennifer.Bobel@state.de.us or call 302-223-1011 and leave a name and best way to be contacted.

Organizers ask that the items be delivered by Monday, Dec. 4, to allow time to update each nursing home's list, do any last-minute shopping and ensure every resident has a gift bag to open during the holidays. Gifts may be left at the facilities’ switchboard reception areas seven days a week.

"Each holiday season, so many people in the community step forward to make a difference in our residents' lives," said Jennifer Bobel, volunteer services coordinator for DHCI and Governor Bacon. "I am always grateful for the generous spirit and the kindness of those who volunteer. On behalf of the residents and staff at our two nursing homes, we offer a genuine thank you in return."

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