Seasonal Happenings

As many Christians begin observing Lent, we focus on longer days, a feeling of renewal and time for reflection, which culminate in the celebration of Easter.  Important to many of us, are the beautiful traditions we celebrate in our churches, and in our homes. Food plays an important role in the traditions we honor. Western, New Yorkers love “Paczki Day”, Fastnacht, and Friday Fish Fries.

Many of our Hearts and Hands care receivers make special requests this time of year to shop at the Broadway Market for Easter treats, favorite bakeries for Hot Cross Buns, and Fowlers Candy for Easter chocolate. We even have requests for volunteers to join a care receiver for a Friday Fish Fry, as an opportunity to socialize and celebrate the season. Maintaining these special traditions are vital to our seniors, who may feel isolated or lonely. We are grateful to our Hearts and Hands volunteers for being a “caring, community, connection,” to those in need.

Perhaps members of your church staff or congregation have time honored recipes for the Easter season, which they would be willing to share in our April Newsletter. If so, please email  Heidi at hlefebvre@heartsandhandsfia.org.

May love and compassion be upon you all this Lent!

During the season of Lent, we ask that you share a post in your bulletin about Hearts and Hands as we are in need of volunteers. To access our bulletin postings click here.

Volunteer Spotlight

Being able to participate in church service, especially during holy season is very important to many of us. It unites us with our fellow man, allows us to celebrate with other’s who share our values and beliefs.

Long -time volunteer Pat, who is very involved in her church, made a meaningful connection with Gerry, a care receiver who requested weekly rides to church.  When asked why Gerry’s request was so significant to Pat, she responded “My faith has always been important in my life and when I took Gerry to church, it just made his day. I knew faith was a central part of his life, it was his spiritual nourishment.  He once told me, when he was still able to drive, he attended church every day.” Pat continued “Each week Monsignor greeted Gerry by name and chatted with him. I believe it made Gerry feel he was a part of a wider community.”

Pat became a volunteer with Hearts and Hands in 2015 and tells us she still loves meeting new people and hearing their stories.  “I love to help others, but I always receive more in return.” says Pat. Volunteering with Hearts and Hands allows for both the volunteer and care receiver to create a meaningful connection based on shared values and interests. 

Are there members of your church congregation who would be willing to give a ride to a senior in need like Pat? Please encourage them to contact us at (716) 406-8311 ext. 102 or to visit our website at www.volunteerhnh.org.  

Agency Update

We are pleased to welcome three new Buffalo Faith Partners to Heart and Hands; Bethesda World Harvest International Church, Antioch Holiness Church and Journey Church Buffalo. Each new partner allows us to share information about our services and our need for volunteers, thereby increasing our ability to serve seniors in Western, NY.

Do you have a sister church, or a coalition member of your faith who we can connect with? Your introduction allows us to grow in communities where volunteers are greatly needed.

Are you a member of a clergy prayer group or community organization, who would welcome an inspirational speaker? We can speak to your group in person or via zoom. Let’s get social, please introduce us to members of your network!

Do you have Lenten events planned at your church? Please share a flyer with us so that we can post information on our Facebook page. 

Put your Faith in Action!

Faith Partners play a vital role in assisting older adults in the community. By giving today you can help seniors stay connected to their community.

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