MIDDLETOWN –
Middletown Helps its Own will be getting a helping hand from staff and residents of the Care One Care Center at Middletown, thanks to the care facility’s new program of Summer of Sharing.
Each of the Care One facilities throughout the state is participating in the company program of selecting a non-profit to help for the summer. Care One at Middletown is the former King James Care Center on Route 36 between Highlands and Atlantic Highlands.
Activities Director Karen Cohen said the facility has selected the program because of its outreach to the entire area, and the fact it is 100 per cent volunteer and supported solely by donations. The volunteer group has food distribution Centers open every Tuesday from 5 to 7;30 p.m. and the care center has already met with the volunteers and collected jars of tomato sauce which had been requested.
Additionally there is a raffle basket set up in the Care One lobby donated by staff and residents, and plans are in place for a musical Care Fest which will be open to the community.
“We have many plans being discussed,” said Cohen, “because everyone here is eager to be a part of this great program. Our residents love to help others and love to participate in any events that include the community.” For this reason, Cohen said they are also considering having a petting zoo for the community. The petting zoo at the care center, an annual event, is one of the most popular community events of the year, with the residents outside and in the midst of everything from ducks and birds to donkeys and ponies, with sheep, goats and other farm animals also always included.
Cohen said the care center is also planning a food drive this summer and will announce plans and dates in the near future.
MHIO was founded in 1964 as a means of helping neighbors. The volunteer organization provides food and emergency services to township residents throughout the year, including providing limited assistance with utility bills in conjunction with other charities. The group coordinates the distribution of more than 600 food baskets to neighbors in need during the thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and has as its motto “As long as there are people in Middletown who need help, and people and organizations in Middletown who are willing to help, Middletown Helps Its Own will be there to help.
“I am happy our residents and residents want to become so involved,” said Care One administrator Jimmie King, “although I am not surprised. Our residents seem to always want to reach out to help those in need, and our staff is willing and eager to come up with ideas to engage them in community programs. Middletown Helps Its Own has a long history of being there for the community and our residents and staff are proud to be a part of their enthusiasm to help others.”
