McKinney residents raise $250 in pennies

Sep. 9—The residents at McKinney Place were in for a penny, in for a pound.

And what a pound it turned out to be.

To brighten the souls of the senior living facility, Addy Albright, director of nursing, and several staff members decided to hold a Disney-themed "Spirit Day" on Tuesday. Part of the event included a "penny war," where residents could drop spare change into a bucket. Each bucket represented a staff member who could become a dunk tank "victim."

Albright was one of three staff members whose bucket received the most money, which meant that on Spirit Day, each resident had an opportunity to throw a ball at a target, sending Albright into a pool of water. "It was cold," she said of the many times she was dropped into the water below.

The Logansport Fire Department filled the tank and enjoyed some of the barbecue foods prepared that day with the residents of McKinney at 3901 High St.

"It was a lot of fun," said 95-year-old Robert "Bob" Cervantes, who expected to have a stronger throw since he grew up playing baseball, especially on an Army base in Japan, where he was stationed during World War II. "But it was hard to get up the energy," he chuckled, admitting he eventually succeeded in dunking Albright.

But what surprised most everyone — residents and staff alike — was the amount the penny war brought in.

"It was just pennies ... we didn't expect to raise so much," Albright admitted. After all, she thought they would collect maybe $20 to $30. In the end, though, the residents contributed $250.

Even staff members from visiting agencies, including hospice groups, would drop a cent or two in the buckets. Everyone's donations ended up allowing the residents to hand over a check to Peggy Scott for the United Way of Cass County's Reading Railroad program.

The program is an early literacy initiative that supplies children with free books so they can enjoy exploring new worlds and ideas through reading. The residents' contribution to the program became a way for them to pass on adventures for years to come, said Albright.

Much like the adventure the 62 residents enjoyed on "Spirit Day," she added.

Along with the dunk tank, barbecue and the donation, the celebration was turned into a Hawaiian luau with a presentation of Disney's "Lilo and Stitch." Albright made Stitch ears for the residents, and a craft table was set up where people could decorate Nutter Butter cookies to look like surfboards.

"It was so much fun," said Betty Cahalan, 96. "It was nice to get together and do something like this." She also liked the decorations in the common area and the overall joy and laughter that resonated.

"COVID took a lot out of people," said Albright. "With state protocols and quarantining ... even though we had zero positive cases, it still made an impact here."

Residents couldn't have visitors and were limited on activities. "The social distancing was necessary to keep people safe, but it took a toll. That's why we're trying to keep everyone's spirits up," said Albright. "The staff did skits for residents, and we made sure no one got left behind. We celebrated 'Ohana,' which means 'family' in Hawaiian."

And that's exactly what they are at McKinney, said Darline Schreckenghaust, who loved her "beautiful blue butterfly" that was painted on her face. "We had such an enjoyable day," said the 91-year-old. "And we helped a good cause. I think we were generous with our donations, and we participated very well."

She hopes the next donation idea will be just as plentiful.

Most of the residents are veterans or have family members who are veterans, so they want to contribute to Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto Sanchez's family, said Albright. Residents are planning to send cards and letters. Everyone is mourning the loss of a local hero, she said.

A Marine Corps flag and a pair of boots will sit inside the doors, where people will have another "penny war."

This time, though, said Albright, the monies collected will go toward a friend who served this nation to honor and protect. Even when a health scare such as COVID-19 forces people to isolate, she said, it's humbling to know that there are those who never cease to pave a way for freedom.

Reach Kristi Hileman at kristi.hileman@pharostribune.com or 574-732-5150