This week, I was honored to be invited to share the ‘Love of the Season’ with ‘action pact’. ‘action pact’ is a Bulloch County Senior Citizens Center tucked in behind Ogeechee Hospice at 235 Granade Street in Statesboro.
A non-profit organization that is totally SOLD OUT to giving Seniors a place to socialize, develop friendships, stimulate the brain and most of all have FUN. ’action pact’ helps the community in different ways.
Funding from federal, state, local governments and of course private donations, help them improve their programs. The program committee, consisting of President, Mrs. Louise Keel, Outreach Coordinator, Alicia Dickerson and Center Director, Alex Smith, did an outstanding job to be sure this Christmas party was a huge success. Top Notch!!
The Christmas Celebration began with a full program with MC Mattie DeLoach, welcoming comments by Virginia Smith, prayer by Dr.Taylor and scripture by Phillis Mest.
The music was festive with their own ‘action pack choir’ singing Silent Night and individual solos by Men of Grace and Miss Ethel Lane.
Special reading by Susie Williams and the Night Before Christmas by Alicia Dickerson, Outreach Coordinator. Alicia customized the story to a humorous rendition, appropriate and relatable for the Senior Adults in the audience.The Seniors were in stitches with laughter.
Reverend Morris Stevens, Associate Minister at Thomas Grove Church in Statesboro, has been a faithful member of Statesboro’s action pack for several years. Minister Stevens' message was the ‘Good News that a Savior’ has been born!!!”
A generous raffle exchange of gifts was a hit through the generosity of Joseph Hiott, a 2 year member of the senior center. ”Joseph is known for advocating for donations for the senior center for non-monetary things and being very successful. Things like bottled water, soda, paper plates, charitable charity transportation for group trips from local vendors. For Christmas, he donated costume jewelry to some of the Seniors as a Christmas gift and also had a Claxton Fruit Cake donation for the annual Christmas party," said Alex Smith, Center Director.
Of course, a pleasant visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus was the highlight of the party. Each Senior received a gift, thanks to the generosity of our community.
Coffee and a variety of beverages, including an amazing array of festive desserts, followed this wonderful party.
Alex Smith, Center Director closed the Celebration by saying, “We would like to thank all that made this annual Christmas party possible for our Seniors to feel special. The Seniors all were very grateful for the kind donations that were made for Christmas. We would like to thank Ag South, GSU Holiday Helpers, YMCA, Dr. Alision Rushing, action pact, inc and a special thanks to the anonymous donor who stepped in and gave a monetary donation to purchase gifts for the Seniors whose names were not chosen from the Holiday Helper tree this year. With the way that the economy is now due to inflation, we feel special to be able to help have this event for the Seniors this year.”
Volunteers Needed!
Smith said “The center is always looking for volunteers of all ages. If you want to learn more about the program or their needs contact Alex Smith or Alicia Dickinson at 912-489-1606."
Merry Christmas ‘action pact’! Enjoying another great Senior Moment!
