| Mission brings the holiday to elderly |
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| Written by Mason Souza, Daily Vidette Staff Writer |
| Wednesday, 18 November 2009 05:32 |
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“It’s been a long tradition at Home Sweet Home for us to deliver food to the elderly and shut-ins,” Sabrina Burkiewicz, vice-president of marketing and retail operations, said. “It’s a way for us to brighten the day for those senior citizens who may not have family to be with.” Burkiewicz said the volunteers not only deliver food, but also company to seniors who may be lonely. “They’re encouraged to spend time with the seniors and socialize,” she said. On Thanksgiving Day, the shelter will also hold a sit-down meal at the Billy Shelper Center at 303 E. Oakland Ave. Home Sweet Home CEO Mary Ann Pullin said the center has enough volunteers for Thanksgiving. “We do have enough volunteers to prepare and deliver meals, but if people want to deliver food, that would be helpful,” she said. Burkiewicz said volunteers cooking turkeys the morning of Thanksgiving is something to behold. “It’s like an incredible turkey factory at Home Sweet Home,” she said. “It’s just an amazing thing to do.” Home Sweet Home is asking the community to help donate food for 400 meals. Burkiewicz said turkeys “are really the biggest thing” because extra ones can be used after Thanksgiving. Gift cards are also accepted as donations. This Thanksgiving marks Home Sweet Home’s 92nd anniversary. The shelter has been as busy as ever lately, due to the sluggish economy. “The shelter has remained close to capacity for a couple of months now,” Burkiewicz said. “We are seeing an incredible increase in people seeking food boxes.” Over the last few months, the shelter has increased the number of meals it has served. In October 7,072 meals were served to the homeless and the shelter received twice as many food box requests than this time last year. Burkiewicz said Home Sweet Home usually gives 5,000 to 6,000 meals a month, but she expects to serve about 8,000 meals this month. Pullin said Home Sweet Home is “dependent on students, faculty and staff volunteering.” “Home Sweet Home has always really been supported by our community including ISU,” she said. “It’s a way for the community to come together.” Senior public relations student Drew McDonald said Home Sweet Home is a great place to intern or volunteer. “I would definitely encourage it,” he said. “It’s good to know that what you’re involved in is such a great part of the community,” McDonald said. Anyone interested in volunteering with Home Sweet Home can visit the shelter, located at 303 E. Oakland Ave. in Bloomington, or apply online at hshministries.org.
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