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DHSS Press Release

Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Pager 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

Date: November 3, 2017
DHSS-11-2017

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SPONSOR RESIDENTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS AT GOVERNOR BACON, DELAWARE HOSPITAL FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL

NEW CASTLE (Nov. 3, 2017) - In keeping with the spirit of holiday giving, the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill (DHCI) in Smyrna and the Governor Bacon Health Center (GBHC) in Delaware City are asking members of the community to sponsor a resident at either nursing home 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," Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker said. "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 in 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 we will email to you or you can pick 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 utilized throughout the year to fill resident birthday bags and special requests for residents.

To participate in Adopt-A-Resident, please email Jennifer.Bobel@delaware.gov or call 302-223-1011 and let us know how you wish to help. Please also leave your name and best way to contact you.

We ask that the items be delivered by Monday, Dec. 4, to allow us 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."

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.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SPONSOR RESIDENTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS AT GOVERNOR BACON, DELAWARE HOSPITAL FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL

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