Project Deliver the Love to bring joy to older adults in Perry, northern Dallas County May 2
Perry Lutheran Homes, together with the help of volunteers and sponsors, will deliver warm greetings and deliveries of love to over 350 older adults through “Project Deliver the Love” on Thursday, May 2.This project will not only celebrate and spread love to 350 older adults in one day, but will raise funds for life-saving meal delivery to home-bound elders the entire year through.
Launched in 2021, “Project Deliver the Love” is a home-grown, award-winning event that brings the community together to do good, have fun, and celebrate our older friends, neighbors and loved ones. This year, 100 volunteers, are needed to help pack up bags with fresh fruit, puzzle books, snacks, devotionals and more, then, deliver the “love” to older adults living in their homes and senior living communities in Perry and Northern Dallas County.
“It was the most wonderful SURPRISE gift I’ve ever received, and it is such a good feeling to know there are people to think that much of me to take time out of their day to do what they did – thank you,” shared Peggy, one of the older adults blessed by “Project Deliver the Love” in 2023.
“I was having a down day. That basket made me feel great – about life and myself,” expressed older adult, Gary, about receiving visitors and a basket full of love through “Project Deliver the Love.”
Volunteers for “Project Deliver the Love” can sign up for a 1.5-hour shift anytime from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 2,to assemble and hand-deliver the love. A fun and rewarding volunteer experience awaits. Spots fill up fast, so volunteers are encouraged sign up early to get their preferred time slot at https://perrylutheranhomes.org/pdl/ or text “deliverlove” to the number 515-320-8256.
“When you volunteer for ‘Project Deliver the Love,’ your heart will melt when you become that bright spot of joy in someone’s day. Just one small gesture of love and kindness makes a huge impact," shared Jennifer Rothfus, Marketing & Admissions Coordinator for Perry Lutheran Homes. "Older adults in our community should feel loved and valued, and that’s really what this event is about – loving each other and sharing the love of Christ. The goal is that one delivery might turn into future visits and new friendships formed."
Volunteers will begin at Perry Lutheran Homes Eden Acres campus located at 1300 28th St. in Perry to assemble and then hand-deliver the love to older adults. Volunteers need to be age 12 and over and/or accompanied by an adult to assemble baskets and age 16 and over with a valid driver’s license to be a driver for delivery.
“Project Deliver the Love” offers an excellent sponsorship program providing financial partners with unique value in return. All proceeds will benefit the local Meals on Wheels program.
“Perry Lutheran Homes Meals on Wheels program is more than just meals. It’s about looking out for and loving your elderly neighbors – ensuring they are safe, fed, and cared about – all of which are critical parts of our lives. It takes community support and partners to sustain this life-saving service. Please consider sharing your love through a financial contribution,” said Lynette Groenenboom, Director of Development for Perry Lutheran Homes.
More: Perry Lutheran Homes delivers meat bundles, gift cards to Meals on Wheels clients
It is only through generous hearts that enough funds are raised to continue to support the cost to prepare, cook, transport and deliver over 20,000 daily meals each year to home-bound older adults in Perry, Minburn, Dallas Center, Granger and Woodward through Perry Lutheran Homes Meals on Wheels program.
“If I’m getting a nutritious meal, then my health is better. For elderly people like me, I depend on it; it’s very important. I know I’m going to see (my delivery driver’s) smiling face, there’s interaction five days a week, and I enjoy talking with him. I’m so glad I am part of this. I really appreciate it and want to give them a big thank you,” said Meals on Wheels recipient, Marilyn.
To learn more about “Project Deliver the Love” sponsorship opportunities, contact Lynette Groenenboom at lgroenenboom@PerryLutheranHomes.org or 515-465-5316 x232. Or, anyone can make a donation online at perrylutheranhome.networkforgood.com/projects/95263-project-deliver-the-love, by texting “give” to 515-320-8256, or by sending a check with a notation “Project Deliver the LOVE" / Meals on Wheels to Perry Lutheran Homes business office at 1300 28th St., Perry, IA 50220.
In addition to volunteering and donating, community members are encouraged to think about older adults they know, age 75 or older, living in Perry, or within a 10-mile radius of Perry, who would experience joy by receiving a visit and delivery of love and encouragement. Submit names by April 19 online at: perrylutheranhomes.org/pdl/ or you can submit names by texting “sendlove” to the number 515-320-8256.
For more “Project Deliver the Love” event details, visit perrylutheranhomes.org/pdl/. Or, to learn more about Meals on Wheels, visit perrylutheranhomes.org/services/meals-on-wheels/.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Project Deliver the Love to bring joy to older adults on May 2
