By Taylor Boyd
The Patrick County Alzheimer’s Group LLC is holding its third year of the Love Light project to help remember and honor loved ones during the holiday season and raise funds for future projects.
Sally Smith, organizer, said the Love Lights are wooden angels that will have the names given by donors placed on them “‘In Honor of’ or “In Memory of’ someone that you love or want to honor.”
The Love Lights are $5 per light. Donors will also receive small angel wings in remembrance of the donation and loved ones. The wings can be worn as a necklace or bracelet, she said.
If the Love Light is given ‘In Honor,’ the organization also will send that person a Christmas card telling them about the gift.
The final day for donations is November 29, Smith said.
The love lights will be attached to the Christmas tree in the courtyard at Patrick County Circuit Court when the tree goes up in early December.
“The more wooden angels the more the tree will look prettier,” she said.
Smith said last year’s event was a success for the group.
“We made over $1,000 with it last year. We’re hoping this year, because people can’t get out and see their loved ones, that they’ll want to put it on the tree,” she said.
Proceeds from the fundraiser are used to help those who have dementia.
“We have branched out to say dementia because we not only help people that have the diagnosis for Alzheimer’s, but also people that have any type of memory loss like from a stroke or anything,” Smith said.
Funds can be used to help with anything a dementia patient might need.
“If they need nursing care, we will give the family x-amount of dollars to help pay for that. We do diapers, protein drinks, wipes, anything that’s needed to take care of that patient or client,” she said, adding the group once bought a stove for one client and helped pay for the installation of wheel-chair ramps for another.
Information also is invaluable, she said.
“A lot of times, we’ll go out to do an assessment on a patient and they’ll qualify for Medicaid. So, then we get them on Medicaid and everything they need is supplied,” she said.
Registration forms for Love Lights have been printed in this newspaper. They also can be picked up at the Patrick County Alzheimer’s Group LLC office, WHEO radio station, and the Patrick County Department of Social Services. The lights also can be purchased by calling the group’s office.
Checks made payable to the Patrick County Alzheimer’s Group, LLC may be mailed to Patrick County Alzheimer’s Group LLC, P.O. Box 1301, Stuart, Va., 24717.
The names of loved ones honored or remembered will be published in The Enterprise.
Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to call the organization’s office at (276) 698-2901 or Smith at (276) 694-7358.
