Serve a Senior this Summer -- And Help the Kindness Catch On

The Twilight Wish Foundation is determined to help make the world a nicer place to age.

And this summer, it has a wonderful way for all of us to help.

In honor of June being designated "Twilight Wish Foundation Month" in Pennsylvania, the national nonprofit, which is based in Bucks County, Pa., asks everyone to do a spontaneous act of kindness for an elder -- visit a housebound neighbor, drive a friend to the doctor, treat an elderly relative to lunch.

And when you do that good deed, email Twilight Wish so they can tally up acts of kindness. (Go to www.twilightwish.org and enter a comment on the FaceBook link on the left side of the homepage).

Twilight Wish started seven years ago with a spontaneous act of kindness when its founder, Cass Forkin, anonymously treated three elderly diners to lunch.

Today, the organization has granted more than 1,400 wishes for the deserving, low-income seniors in 35 states and has 13 chapters of volunteers.

The state designation, sponsored by State Representative Marguerite Quinn, honors the work that Twilight Wish has done throughout the Commonwealth in enriching the lives of many seniors through individual wish granting, advocacy for senior issues, and intergenerational programs.

Twilight Wish grants senior wishes to those who are over 68 years old and have an income of less than twice the poverty level or who are residents of a nursing home. If you are interested in making a senior's wish or lifelong dream come true, visit www.twilightwish.org or call 1-215-230-8777 ext. 101.

 

Follow Gina Furia Rubel on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ginarubel

Comments

[sierraseven]

02:48 AM on 06/18/2010

Maybe while you're at it, think about doing something nice for someone who is providing full-time care for an elderly relative. Maybe give them a few hours away from their 24/7/365 nurse/cook/janitor/maid/laundress duties. Just something to think about.

[supportamerica]

11:26 AM on 06/19/2010

Thank you. I cared for my husband for a long as I could before having to relegate him to a Nursing Home. It was exhausting. He was/is bed bound and a very large man (300 lbs.) and I am 105 lbs. The hardest part was turning him (he has no legs to push with). No one realizes until they are in this type of situation that you lose your self in the everyday grind of everything you listed. It is much easier now for me and though, I love my husband dearly but he was exhausting to care for. His mental faculties deteriorated at a faster rate than his body so was difficult to deal with. Now he often times does not know me when I visit.

[Halsey]

08:51 PM on 06/19/2010

support,

Bless your heart. I've no experience to equate with yours yet feel how hard to see the man you love fail in such a way. I hope you call the number and perhaps can add your area so some kind person can give you some time away, just for you. It won't affect your husband and can only help your spirit. Take care. (and I adore your photo, what a near sighted chihuahua? It shows your cuteness!)