Providence News  January 2011

|   Thorton Township Thanks Holland Home for Good Deeds

Photo credit: Arlo Kallemeyn Thornton Township Supervisor Frank Zuccarelli presents an award to Deana Wilson, Community Manager of Holland Home Christian Retirement Community. Holland Home participated in the 2010 Christmas Care Program to provide Christmas gifts to families in need. As reported from the www.nwitimes.com

SOUTH HOLLAND, ILLINOIS (January 2011)  | 
Thornton Township Supervisor Frank Zuccarelli recently honored Holland Home Christian Retirement Community for its participation in the 2010 Christmas Care Program.

"I was completely surprised about the award," says Deana Wilson. "I think we all were!" Deana is the Community Manager at Holland Home Christian Retirement Community in South Holland, Illinois. Tuesday night she accepted an award on behalf of Holland Home, presented by Thornton Township.

The award was a token of gratitude from Supervisor Frank Zuccarelli for Holland Home's enthusiastic participation in the 2010 Christmas Care Program. Thornton Township organizes the program every year, and local businesses donate money, toys, and other gifts in order to benefit local children. Holland Home participated in 2009 as well. "Kids and seniors are a great mix," says Elyssia Roozeboom, the Holland Home staff member who organized the residents' participation. "Many residents here were affected by the Great Depression, and they remember what it's like not to have anything. They are very generous, and they are able to give compassionately."

The 2010 Christmas Care Program collected more than 4,000 toys and gifts, which were shared with 1,500 children who visited Thornton Township Hall during Christmas week. The program, which started about 10 years ago by helping 5–10 children, has grown every year, in large part because of involvement by businesses and ministries such as Holland Home. "Our residents really enjoy the opportunity to bless the next generation," affirmed Deana. "They understood the need and responded with money, toys, books, games, and clothing."

"They certainly weren't doing it for the recognition," says Deana, "– this generation doesn't do that – but it was nice for Mr. Zuccarelli to express his appreciation this way."