Our response to this sad situation was to start preparing what we called “Anti-Boredom” packets that would not only serve the residents of “our” 12 facilities but also, by posting our work on the Vital Signs Ministries website, for anyone around the country (and beyond) who wanted to take advantage of the fun, the encouragement, and the inspiration they provide. That ministry, we are delighted to report, has been extremely well received.
However, we decided to try yet another front in our outreach to these seniors; namely, one that would have us “go super sweet” by assembling for residents special packages with different candies (sugar-free for diabetics) as well as personal notes, Scriptures, and even artwork provided by kids.Well, today (as you can see in these photos) saw our first two attempts. And we are very encouraged by the response so far. One required us to prepare packages of mixed candies for 124 residents and the other for 35. We will keep you posted how things go with this effort.
And, of course, if any of you want to be involved -- helping us buy candy and other snacks, assembling the packages, securing artwork from children, delivering the packages to the facilities, and writing notes of encouragement, please let us know. Please consider it for it is a needed, practical, and wonderfully do-able ministry opportunity for kids, churches, small groups, and families.By the way, if you're interested in the “Anti-Boredom” packets (the collections we've created of trivia quizzes, quotations, photos, and personal letters) as something to share with family, friends, older church members, neighbors, etc., please check out any one or more of the 17 that are posted on our website.