December 22, 2005

Celebrating at Vista South

New Castle, PA - On December 3^rd, a group of Jameson employees from the South Campus’ Nutritional Services Department gave the residents of Vista South an early Christmas treat. The eight volunteers dressed up in Christmas attire and provided a party for the approximate 60 residents in attendance.  The group baked a collective 42-dozen cookies, prepared games with prizes, and gave candy bags and homemade ornaments to each person, even if they did not win a game.

  Dixie Hamilton was inspired to do something nice for the residents of Vista South.  Originally, Hamilton intended to just bake cookies for them, but as she recruited the other volunteers, the project grew to a full-scale party.

“It got bigger than we thought it was going to be, which was just great,” said Hamilton.  “We didn’t do it for recognition, we did it because we appreciate them.”             

Even those residents who were unable to attend received a gift bag and ornament. The eight volunteers consisted of Hamilton, Marna Boyd, Millie Magliocca,  Kathy Weller, Denise Marlow, Julia Russo, Janelle Nero, and Jody Ryhal.  All of the 39 game prizes were made by Marna Boyd. She and Millie Magliocca also made the ornaments.  The preparations for the event were done entirely on their own time.  The party had a few outside monetary contributions but most of the expenses were paid by the volunteers.