Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote the feature and took the top, two photographs. Karla Burn submitted the other three.
Times are different as the world adjusts to the COVID-19 pandemic and the demands it creates. Employees and residents of Resthave Care & Rehabilitation, 408 Maple Avenue, in Morrison, IL, found time to make the effort to give back to the community.
“Our community supported us, prayed for us, and kept our spirits up during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we wanted to give back,” were the words from Resthave’s Director of Marketing, Karla Burn.
On Tuesday, August 31, 2021, volunteers assisted the staff in preparing sack meals of hamburgers and hot dogs, to be offered free to any community member that wanted to drive through the facility parking lot. And drive through they did! The supply of 300 prepared meals was exhausted within an hour. Burn extended an apology to those unable to receive a meal. She wanted them to know that their support is greatly appreciated always.
Each meal included a note to the recipient reading, ”Resthave believes we are all part of an amazing community. This free meal is a token of our appreciation for the love and support we felt during the pandemic. We could not have done it without you! Our community prayed for us and helped to keep our spirits up in so many ways, and we want to give back. With sincere appreciation and thanks to you, our community.”
Meals and thanks were extended by Sue Donahue, Director of Nursing. Below, volunteers Mary Ellen Brackemyer, center, and Mary Beswick, right, organized the meals. Keith Stouffer, left, and Terry Jones grilled the burgers and hot dogs.
Marketing Director Karla Burn stated, “The meal consisted of a choice of a barbecued hamburger or hotdog, chips, water, and dessert. The desserts, donated by the area churches, were ‘delicious,’ many of the patrons stated.” Left-to-right-are volunteers assembling meals: Maria Haag, Cindy Hoogheem, Tawnya Denning, and Barb Prins.
“Our sincere apologies for running out. We just didn’t have any idea how many would, once again, come out and support us. At one point the line was to the end of the driveway, but it moved quickly.” Below, staff member Kris Murr indicates she needs four bagged meals.
“It was such a fun and uplifting event for us, too,” Burn added. A huge thank you [goes] to our wonderful volunteers, churches, and staff! This event would not have happened without you.” #ResthaveStrong!
