LAKEPORT ? Seniors at Lakeport Skilled Nursing Center sent several of Lake County”s children off to school with new backpacks and school supplies, snacks and best wishes for success, all compliments of a favorite pastime ? Bingo.
Residents decided to use “Bingo Bucks” to buy and fill the backpacks as the group”s third project shortly before students headed off to school earlier this month.
“It”s part of our ?Caring for Kids” program,” said Bonnie Morris, activities director at Lakeport Skilled Nursing Center.
Bingo players earn a Bingo Buck each time they win a game, which is usually worth 25 cents. According to Community Relations Coordinator Eileen Yancey, the bucks are added up at the end of the month for residents to spend on whatever they choose.
The Resident Council, comprised of those who live at the center, decided last fall to do something for children in the community.
Executive Director Paul Morris told the residents that the facility would match the Bingo Bucks, bringing the value of a “buck” to 50 cents. Yancy said another facility match brings that amount to $1.
“Our residents wanted a way to give back to this community where they have lived and raised their families,” said Morris. The group rounded up a total of 22 backpacks, with 17 of those going out to needy students just before the beginning of the school year, according to Healthy Start Kelseyville Site Supervisor Kathy Windrem. She said it just so happened that the majority of these backpacks went to Kelseyville students. She meets with site supervisors from the county”s five districts monthly.
“The kids were thrilled. It was like a little treasure hunt,” said Windrem, recalling the care with which every compartment of the backpacks was filled with items like pencils, rulers, three ring notebooks, crayons, color markers and snacks.
“Our staff just couldn”t resist getting in on this, too,” said Yancey, she said that several staffers at Lakeport Skilled Nursing Center contributed $5 bills where they could to help the cause.
“It”s amazing what happens when people choose to give of themselves, and how little becomes so much when everyone works together toward a common goal.”
Yancey said the residents are now making plans for a Christmas gift for Lake County”s children, which she said is yet to be determined. She also said that the pastime has given residents a sense of purpose.
“We all need to feel that we are needed, and that we have contributed something. We”re changing our corner of the world. And that”s what gives us our purpose in life,” Yancey said.
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com.
