Anticipation hung in the air at the Banner Olive Branch meeting hall on Dec. 20 as 400-plus guests waited for the clock to strike 11 a.m., the appointed time to unwrap their own holiday gift.
This wasn’t your usual holiday party for kids. The gift recipients were clients from the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center in the Sun City, which provides free activities and inexpensive meals and food boxes to seniors in the Northwest Valley.
Employees from several Banner Health programs, as well as employees of Sun Health and residents from the Sun Health Communities, purchased, wrapped and donated the gifts. The gift givers worked from wish lists provided by the Banner Olive Branch clients.
Sun Health’s effort was coordinated through the SHINE committee, a community service and volunteer group made up of Sun Health employees. Residents from Sun Health’s communities frequently take part in SHINE projects.
Mary Jane Gibson, a client who also volunteers at the center, was overjoyed to unwrap a cast-iron skillet.
“I’ve wanted one for the longest time,” she said. “They are popular on a lot of cooking shows that I watch.”
She praised the groups who donated to the cause. “Many of the people here live alone or are forgotten this time of year. These gifts make a tremendous difference for them,” she said.
A big thank you to all who helped brighten the holidays for Banner Olive Branch clients.
For more information about SHINE, contact Deb Richards (623) 832-4399 or Jennifer Drago at (623) 832-5563.
