Care One at King James Administrator Jimmie King and resident John look over some of the numerous gifts residents, friends and relatives of residents at the Route 36 facility collected as one of several outgoing and generous projects the residents conduct throughout the year.
John was one of the residents who spearheaded this event, said Activities Director Karen Cohen, in appreciation for the kindness and warmth all visiting pets bring to residents at the Care Center.
Among the frequent canine visitors is Reese, who comes with Social Services Director Christian Ingegnere to visits the rooms of residents. Other employees also bring their pets for visits with residents, as do volunteers who come in with their own pets to bring joy and lower blood pressure to residents.
“All these pet food items are being delivered to Lunch Break in Red Bank and Open Door in Freehold,” Cohen said. “When our residents heard how Covid has seriously impacted some people financially and they either had to give up their pets or seek help from others in order to continue to afford to purchase pet food, they asked if they could donate and take up a collection so food can be delivered to places where others get food for themselves, so they could also get supplies for their pets.” The Director said the residents quickly joined the cause, asking friends and relatives, as well as making their own financial donations so the director could make purchases to be presented to the food banks.
