Program Raises $16k and Provides Gifts for Seniors
The winner of this year’s MRAAA Festival of the Trees was Full Circle Ranch Equine Haven in Osceola Mills which recently received the traveling trophy from last year’s winner, the Chemo Care Bag Project’s representative Kristen Zurat, far left. The staff and volunteers of Full Circle Ranch are, from left to right, Nancy Taylor, Sean McKeegan, Marty Butler, Suzanne Mosch, and Geremy Kephart. (Provided photo)
CLEARFIELD – Clearfield area residents responded to the call from Mature Resources Area Agency on Aging (MRAAA) and the Clearfield Regional Police Department for help for seniors by giving nearly $16,000 and providing gifts for the Giving Tree program.
Many individuals and organizations came together to provide truckloads of gifts and financial assistance for heating, according to a recent press release.
Nearly 400 gift tags for local elderly and grandchildren they care for were filled, in addition to the $16,000 collected and sent directly to local fuel and utility suppliers to make certain seniors stay warm in their own homes this winter. In some instances, individuals pooled money together to purchase larger gifts such as a lift chair, a bed, and a bicycle.
“The generosity shown by people in our communities is nothing short of amazing,” said MRAAA Chief Executive Officer Kathy Gillespie.
“The amount collected to cover heating costs alone is incredible – and this is in addition to all types of other gifts that provided comfort to families in need this Christmas. This level of support can only come from a community full of compassion and kindness. We are all blessed to live here.”
The MRAAA first partnered in 2016 with Clearfield Borough Police, which would eventually merge with Lawrence Township Police to create the current regional department, launching the Giving Tree.
Seargent Nathan Curry of the Clearfield Regional PD recalled conceiving the idea, saying, “During the winter of 2016, I came across several seniors of the community who had to make decisions of whether to pay for food, or for fuel to heat their homes.
“With the creation of the Giving Tree, more seniors are able to afford food and fuel to keep them warm. The outpouring of support from the members of this community is humbling. I have seen families make sacrifices of their own just to make sure that others have heat. It’s a true blessing.”
Another MRAA program, “The Festival of the Trees” was also a success during the holiday season.
This was the second year for the special trees which were displayed at the Dimeling Senior Residence in Clearfield. Local businesses and organizations were invited to bring an artificial Christmas Tree to the Dimeling lobby and decorate it according to a theme representing their business or mission, or a theme of their choice.
Visitors voted for their favorite tree during events like the Clearfield Revitalization Cooperation’s Taste of the Town Spirit Tour, and the Allegheny Spay and Neuter Clinic’s Holiday House Tour, and throughout the holiday season.
The winner was Full Circle Ranch Equine Haven of Osceola Mills, according to a press release. Their tree was a 12-foot Christmas tree decorated in an equine theme with stirrups, cowboy hats, and a variety of other items.
“Full Circle’s mission is to rescue unwanted, abused, and neglected horses from auctions, inhumane conditions, and from being forced into the slaughter pipeline. They aim to educate, be a resource, and find a solution to help horses, including ponies, pregnant mares, yearlings, those retired off the track, working, sick, injured, and those that are not wanted,” it says in the release.
Full circle holds trainings, classes, and is open as a resource to those wishing to learn more about horse rescue and care. The ranch has an open-door policy, welcoming the public to visit and connect with the horses while learning basic care. They work with children and adults with disabilities and depression.
The ranch is actively searching for volunteers. Those interested can reach Full Circle Ranch Equine Haven at 814-577-9057 or FullcircleREH5697@gmail.com and find them on Facebook.
Last year’s winner, The Chemo Care Bag Project, began as a tribute to Lynn and Chauncey Smith, who both passed away from cancer. To memorialize them, their daughter, Kristen, started a campaign to fill bags with items to help patients going through cancer treatment. The hope is that these bags provide some level of comfort to patients.
A total of 16 businesses and organizations participated in this year’s MRAAA’s Festival of the Trees.
MRAAA provides a host of services to senior citizens in Clearfield County including a full spectrum of adult medical care at the Susquehanna Wellness Clinic, affordable senior housing at the Dimeling Senior Residence, shared housing options, homes at the Village of Hope in West Decatur, an Adult Day Center, and the Centers for Active Living. The agency also provides nutritious meals to individuals in Clearfield County who find travel difficult, with Meals on Wheels drivers delivering up to 800 meals each day.
For more information visit https://www.matureresources.life/ or contact 814-765-2696, or mail@matureresources.life.