Trio of Holiday Projects at Oak Crest Capture Spirit of Season

PARKVILLE, MD---A trio of seasonal traditions provided residents and employees of Oak Crest with opportunities to help people locally and a world away.
Their efforts benefitted the missions of Operation Christmas Child, the Baltimore Area Command of the Salvation Army and a quartet of charities during the community's Day of Giving.
Gary Hibbs is the Executive Director of Oak Crest.  "It is so rewarding to see the enthusiasm generated by these projects, planned months ago, take fruition during the holiday season," stated Mr. Hibbs.  "Our mission is to share our gifts to create communities that celebrate life.  Truly, the Oak Crest family is investing in this vision in 2013."
The support for Operation Christmas Child is fueled by resident Audrey Broadbeck's longtime affiliation with Samaritan's Purse International Relief.  The project provides backpacks, small gifts and school supplies to children in need throughout the world.
Ms. Brodbeck begins shopping in July for the items.  Her work again inspired the employees of the Home Health Team of Oak Crest to adopt the project.  Together, they created fifty-eight boxes, collected by the marketing team of the Nottingham Square Chick-fil-A on November 12th.  The boxes are shipped to a North Carolina distribution center, where they are sent to children around the world in time for Christmas.   On November 26th, Santa's workshop was in full gear as Oak Crest held its 18th Annual Salvation Army Stocking Stuffing.  Fifty residents and employees packed stockings with toys and school supplies, filling 400 in a record-time of 44 minutes.
The event is coordinated by Oak Crest resident Ann France, an Executive Board Member of the Baltimore Area Command Women's Auxiliary.  In twenty-seven years volunteering with the organization, Ms. France has been responsible for bringing Christmas cheer to thousands of local children.
Oak Crest residents raised over $4,175 for the project in October, partnering with the Dollar Store on Joppa Road in Parkville.
Finally, on December 12th, the Erickson Living retirement community hosted its Annual Day of Giving, an event providing employees a convenient, one-stop way to assist worthy causes.  In a generous display of support, they brought toys, clothes, school supplies and hygiene items, along with cash donations.  The 2013 Day of Giving celebrated the American Red Cross Typhoon Relief, Helping Up Mission, House of Ruth and Toys for Tots.
 

About Oak Crest:  Oak Crest is one of sixteen continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living.  Located in Parkville, Maryland, the scenic 87-acre campus is home to more than 2,100 residents.  Oak Crest is the ideal greater Baltimore retirement destination offering a true sense of community, convenience beyond compare and a sensible financial structure.

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