Continuing a long legacy of charitable work, this past Wednesday, December 23, the Forward Times (FT) visited The Westbury Place, a local assisted living and nursing care facility that FT chose to adopt.
The FT staff and friends joined the residents of The Westbury Place for a celebration that included a festive time of singing Christmas Carols, Dancing, eating, fellowship and also praying with those who requested it. We also had the opportunity to visit the rooms of some of those who were not able to join the program in the dining area. We deliver the paper to The Westbury Place every week so some of the residents felt like they knew us personally.
Prior to going to The Westbury Place, the FT staff collected socks, blankets and scarves for the residents from its readers and members of the community who chose to donate. The FT staff also held rehearsal prior to the visit to The Westbury Place, with accomplished pianist Christopher McMillan, in order to make sure the residents heard some quality singing.
Christmas time is a festive time, but can also be a lonely time for some. We were so excited to share our holiday with the residents because they truly appreciated it and asked us to please come back.
“This act of service was our way of helping make the season bright for those residents who were not able to get home for the holidays or be with their loved ones for Christmas,” said Forward Times Publisher and CEO Karen Carter Richards. “We are so happy that we have been blessed to be a blessing to our seniors.”
Special thanks to Christopher McMillan, pianist; Tamika Williams, praise dancer; and the entire staff of the FT, for giving their time and talent to make this holiday season a special one for everyone who got a chance to participate. The smiles on everyone’s faces and the joy that each person felt, including the FT staff, will never be forgotten.
On behalf of the entire FT staff and volunteers, we would like to say Happy Holidays and wish a very prosperous and Happy New Year in 2016 to all of our readers, advertisers, subscribers, partners and the Greater Houston community.