HANDS

12/27/11We had a WONDERFUL time on Christmas Day!  With the help of many elves, we packed up almost 200 lasagna dinners and giftbags at Burlington High School and then sent volunteer drivers out to deliver them all around Chittenden County.We then moved the rest of the dinner and giftbags over to Heineberg Senior Center.  With a bit of a scramble, we quickly set up appetizers, place settings, and all of the other aspects of the sitdown dinner.  The room filled with people happy to just gather to share a meal and friendship.  Santa showed up (who knew that he'd still have so much energy left?!) to dole out more gifts.  Smiles and laughter filled the room as piano music floated by.Thank you, thank you, thank you to every person or business who pitched in to make this sweet day happen!  I cannot imagine that anywhere else in the country could possibly have as many generous people as the ones who live right here.  I have already heard from seniors in the area who were thrilled to either receive a hot meal and giftbag at home or join us at Heineberg.We'll be turning our attention shortly to some new endeavors such as fundraising for some more year-round meals programs in the area and an intergenerational gardening project with Friends of Burlington Gardens so that some older Vermonters will be able to grow some of their own food.  The biggest key to our continued success is our ability to bring in funding.  If you'd like to be an angel, please consider donating to HANDS.  Thank you so much.Happy New Year to one and all!Cheers,Megan