Volunteer Needs At Mother Angeline McCrory Manor

On Tuesday, February 20th, 2007, a group of women from St. Edward's visited the Mother Angeline McCrory Manor in Columbus, Ohio. The visit was very enlightening - it was so inspiring to see the "Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother" which crowns the entrance to the building, reminding everyone of the dignity of those who live within these walls. It is truly evident that the mission of this establishment is to bring Christ to every older person under their care - giving each of their residents His compassion, His interest, His loving care and His warmth, morning, noon and night.

During our visit, some of us spent time interacting with residents in the Alzheimer's unit, while others participated in a Reading and Discussion activity with the residents of another unit. We toured the facility, and then visited with Herb and Catherine Smith, former St. Edward's parishioners, and Mary Millisor, mother of parishioner Mike Millisor.

The McCrory Manor has a very active volunteer program, and they gave us a list of "needs" for volunteers. All volunteers at the McCrory Manor must complete the hour-long orientation, sign the confidentiality agreement and receive their official volunteer badge prior to beginning their service hours. The Manor accepts adults and teens age 14 and up. Days of the week and hours of service are flexible to meet volunteer availability. The McCrory Manor welcomes weekly and monthly "regulars" as well as single/special event support.

Here's the list of needs:

1. "Adopt-A-Resident" for weekly visits
2. Read short stories, poetry or the Bible to one or two residents
3. Work on a collage and decoupage project with a resident
4. Lead a small discussion group based on an article, poem or story
5. Serve as facilitator for Bingo or Bible Lotto game 1-2X monthly
6. Take residents on a "wheelchair excursion" inside the facility
7. Sign up to come in for special programs to help transport residents
8. Sign up for special programs to help serve refreshments
9. Make table centerpieces for holiday or theme parties
10. Donate current magazines for resident libraries
11. Donate old magazines or National Geographic magazines for collages
12. If you are a musician, donate a special performance
13. If you have a special skill, come and demonstrate it
14. Visit residents to "chat" while filing/polishing their nails
15. Bring in your small keyboard or guitar and sing to/with our residents
16. Bring a couple of friends to play Euchre with residents
17. Play our grand piano for a special resident or small group
18. Work on a jigsaw puzzle with a resident
19. Help a resident create a memory box by decoupaging xeroxed photos onto a small cardboard container
20. Help with our "Coffee 'n Conversation" gathering Saturday mornings at 10 AM - 1-2X monthly
21. Help with our "Happy Hour" gathering Wednesdays at 4 PM 2X monthly
22. Sign up to help with decorating a Christmas tree next November
23. Sign up to bake cookies or brownies for a special event
24. Sign up to come in for a "Games" day or "Carnival Day"
25. Sign up to take Videos, CDs, Tapes and Magazines cart to one or two units each week
26. Sign up to deliver mail (late morning, early afternoon) one day each week
27. Sign up to deliver newspapers (9 AM) one morning each week
28. Sign up to play poker one day or evening each week (no $)
29. Sign up to lead a karaoke activity once each month
30. Sign up to run errands/shop for residents once each month

If you are interested in becoming a McCrory Manor volunteer, please contact Susie Smith, Director of Activities and Volunteer Services, 614-279-6619.

If you are interested in providing assistance with Mass, "Conversations with Pastoral Care" groups, and other areas of spiritual emphasis, please contact Sister DeChantal, 614-279-6613.