25 Days of Giving: Day 22

Every year, around this same time, our family visits Saint Mary Home. It's an elderly residential facility run by the Sisters of Mercy. My Grandma Deasy spent the last year of her life living there, when at 94 and needed around the clock care. The staff there was wonderful and treated her with respect, dignity and kindness- values which are at the heart of the Sisters of Mercy, founded in 1831 by Catherine McAuley to teach and care for the sick, poor and needy in Ireland.

My Aunt Elaine is a Sister and a wonderful ambassador of this religious order. Her kindness knows no bounds, and she is selfless in all she does, whether taking my girls overnight, babysitting for my sister's children, or spending an afternoon crafting with my daughters. "Auntie E" as she is affectionately known by her nieces and nephews, met us at St. Mary's yesterday to take us around. Happily donning a Santa Hat, with Christmas cookies in one hand and one of the girl's hands in the other, she began escorting us around the Home.

We were joined by my friend, Katie, and her four girls, all decked out in their festive outfits... so adorable and cute. Stopping to sing "Joy to the World" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" the girls sang with smiles on their faces and handed out Christmas cards to each and everyone in the hall. We also stopped into rooms and delivered personalized songs. Many of the women were in wheelchairs, and I was so proud of the girls, who without hesitating, went right up to them and sang, even giving kisses and hugs. The girls not only brought songs, they brought happiness and joy. Thank you Baker ladies for joining us! We are already thinking about our next visit! 

How you can help: Saint Mary Home is run by the Sister's of Mercy, not-for-profit organization, which greatly relies on the generosity of others to help in their mission of service. Donations are used to enhance their mission as they "continue to develop critical services and programs that are desperately needed for aging members of our society." (taken from their website) To make donation, contact the Mercy Community Development Office at 860.570.8337 or email:mreardon@mchct.org.

The Mercy Community's Mission is closely connected with the community, with many programs and activities throughout the year. To volunteer or inquire about opportunities, contact 860.570.8300.