Director's Message

Director’s Message

December 2003

 

Random Acts of Kindness

 

As the holidays approach, we are bombarded with advertising about buying gifts. My thoughts, however, go beyond the Mall. I had a grandmother who spent the year knitting sweaters for all of the family and my holiday home is adorned with decorations she knit, crocheted, and cross-stitched. She gave me the gift of these skills and an appreciation for love expressed in thought and action.

 

This leads my thoughts to how I can carry on this legacy this holiday season, and how I pass this value on to my children, who are particularly vulnerable to the tidal wave of advertising and peer values. I also learn from them, as my younger son is good at reminding me that what he really wants at night is a good snuggle and read-- my time and undivided attention. What are the gifts we can make ourselves that will convey the love we have for family and friends? What are the ways we can give our time and attention to someone who appreciates these far more than “stuff”?

 

Please join us this season in finding the ways to give the gifts of time and love to someone you care about. Spend an hour with a home-based friend, take someone out for a ride in the car to enjoy the holiday lights. Write a long note to a distant friend. Bake a batch of cookies. Repair a lamp. Offer an hour of childcare. Smile and say hello to a stranger. Hold a door open, say thank you.

 

Another way you can help others is to give to your favorite charities. More people are giving gifts to worthy organizations in lieu of gifts. PSRC is a private non-profit organization that relies on your contributions to fulfill our mission. A donation to PSRC will help up continue to provide opportunities for support and engagement to hundreds of older adults and their families in this community. This includes programs for fitness and enrichment, social events, support groups, social services and counseling. We will be expanding our services to people giving care to family, friends and neighbors this year with a Caregiver Resource Center. Please participate in our annual appeal.

 

Wishing you all a wonderful new year.

 

Susan W. Hoskins LCSW

Executive Director