Parsonage Cottage Senior Residence is launching a new fundraising campaign to replace their primary mode of resident transportation. Parsonage Cottage, a congregate home for seniors, currently has a van purchased in 2003 and is used for various reasons, including medical appointments, therapy, attending church services, shopping, and scheduled outings for residents to get some external activities and engagement.
A new, accessible passenger van is at the top of their New Year planning list, and they have launched a Giving Our Seniors A Lift campaign.
Parsonage Cottage, a division of Greenwich Communities, is asking the Greenwich community to join their effort. Last year the community came together to lift the facility’s residents’ spirits with hundreds of Valentine’s cards, candy, and gifts. This year, Penny Lore, Executive Director of Parsonage Cottage Senior Residence, is asking for that lift in a different way through contributing funds towards Giving Our Seniors a Lift. “We know this is a grassroots effort, but every dollar will help us reach our goal of $50,000 to purchase a new van. We appreciate the sweetness shown to the residents last year, but what they truly need now is safe, accessible transportation.”
“Our residents need transportation for doctor’s appointments, runs to CVS and the grocery store, and getting to church,” explained Lore. “The current van is over 18 years old, and while well-loved, it needs replacing.”
Town of Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo echoed Lore’s request for community support. “Accessible transportation is critical to keep our seniors connected to their Greenwich community. The seniors at Parsonage Cottage need our community’s support in raising funds for the new van.”
To make a secure donation, visit Give Seniors a Lift.
Or send your mail your tax-deductible contribution to Friends of Parsonage Cottage, 88 Parsonage Road, Greenwich, CT 06830, attention Penny Lore.
The youth in town are also supporting the effort. Lore expressed gratitude for the Parsonage Cottage Junior Advisory Board, whose support, especially during the pandemic, has significantly positively impacted the residents.
One of the members, 8th grader Hayden Santry said, “My friends and I have supported Parsonage Cottage since I was in 6th grade. We started out helping to create mini-golf tournaments, which all the residents loved because everyone dresses in funny outfits. During COVID, when indoor parties were canceled, we organized a fun outdoor holiday party and parade.”
Recognizing and responding to Parsonage’s current need, Santry and the Junior Advisory Board are leaning in once again.
“Now, we are helping them raise money for a van for the seniors, which they really need. We know a bunch of 8th graders can’t raise the whole $50,000, but every bit counts,” Santry said.
How will they do it?
“We plan to hold small fundraisers like a ping pong exhibition and car wash to raise the money. All my friends are coming up with different ideas on how to get this van for the seniors,” Santry added.
The effort to raise funds to replace the van is not the first time the group answered a need at Parsonage. In the spring of 2020, a technology drive by the Parsonage Cottage Fundraising and Junior Advisory Boards resulted in 30 donated iPads, which has helped residents stay connected during the pandemic.
For questions, contact Penny Lore at (203) 869-6226 or
[email protected].
About Parsonage Cottage Senior Residence:
Parsonage Cottage Senior Residence is an affordable home for our own Greenwich older adults to be able to age in place, near friends and family, remaining in the town they call home. Quality of life and health is better when we are in familiar surroundings, allowing for peace of mind for our residents and their family members, who can visit more often.
Lore enthusiastically described the state-of-the-art, traditionally designed, large “cottage” as idyllically set on magnificently landscaped wooded acres in the heart of beautiful mid-town Greenwich. “It’s really the people that make the difference. We have a caring staff, a hard-working Board of Directors, and every resident is treated as a member of the family,” said Lore. Recently updated, the Cottage boasts 34 bright, spacious single rooms and three double rooms, all with large private baths. Residents are allowed to bring their own furniture to create a familiar home environment because, after all, there’s no place like home.