NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES

For the Holidays, Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill and Governor Bacon Health Center Seek Community Donations in ‘Adopting’ Residents

NEW CASTLE (Oct. 26, 2016) – The Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill (DHCI) in Smyrna and the Governor Bacon Health Center (GBHC) in Delaware City are seeking support from the community in “adopting” residents for the holidays who have little family involvement or support.

DHCI and Governor Bacon rely on the generosity of community members, including neighbors, local businesses, workplace groups, community organizations and volunteers to help fulfill residents’ wishes during the holidays and provide a meaningful impact in their lives.

“Every year, I am touched by how the community responds to support our residents at the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill and the Governor Bacon Health Center,” Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Rita Landgraf said. “The generosity of one person or one group makes such a positive difference in the lives of our residents. Each holiday season, we are privileged to see the incredible bond of community between people who don’t even know each other.”

Jennifer Bobel, volunteer services coordinator for DHSS’ Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, said groups that wish to adopt several residents are welcome. “We thank people in the community for becoming part of this amazing program, which supports the long-term care residents in Delaware who are in need,” she said. There are a variety of ways for people to donate:

• Adopt-A-Resident: Donors are provided with the identification code and wish list of a resident. The sponsor is asked to buy the items on the wish list 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, DE, 19977. Governor Bacon Health Center is at 248 Kent Ave., Delaware City, DE 19706. (Access by Route 9 Reedy Point Bridge.)

• Monetary donation: Make a donation by gift card or check and leave the shopping to nursing home staff. 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: Purchase items from the list of suggested gift items that we will email to you or you can pick up in the lobby at each facility. These items are used during the holidays to fill gift bags for residents who have not been adopted. Any remaining items are used throughout the year to fill resident birthday bags and special requests for residents.

To participate, please email Jennifer.Bobel@delaware.gov or call 302-223-1011 and let her know how you would like to help. Please also leave your name and the best way to contact you. Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill and Governor Bacon Health Center each ask that items be delivered by Monday, Dec. 5, to allow nursing home staff time to update lists, do any last-minute shopping, and ensure every resident has a gift bag to open on Christmas. Gifts may be left at the switchboard reception area in either facility seven days a week. Please mark them for Volunteer Services, with the Resident ID number included.

For more information, contact Jill Fredel, Director of Communications, (302) 255-9047 (office)
or (302) 357-7498 (cell).

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Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

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