SamariTeen volunteers organized this year’s event. Volunteers delivered to those throughout Samaritan’s 2,200 square-mile service area.
Seventeen years ago, a group of teen volunteers conceived an idea they called “Giving Thanks, Preserving Memories” that officials with Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice say has become a cherished annual tradition for the community served by Samaritan.
Every year since, the Saturday before Thanksgiving has become “delivery day,” when volunteer drivers pick up baskets brimming with food and fixings and present them to patients and families throughout Samaritan’s 2,200 square-mile service area.
Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice’s SamariTeen volunteers helped organize this year’s event on Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia/Cherry Hill.
By day’s end, 39 volunteer drivers had picked up 136 baskets containing 570 meals from the hotel’s loading dock to deliver to Samaritan patients and their families, including patients and families at Samaritan’s two inpatient hospice centers in Voorhees and Mt. Holly.
The baskets, draped by table runners sewn by area volunteers, included: turkey dinners provided by the culinary team of the Crowne Plaza, pies, placemats and sparkling cider.
Crafted table decorations created by the SamariTeens, area Brownie troops, school groups and community volunteers were also added.
The baskets allow families to enjoy their time together without the worry of preparing a traditional holiday meal, according toSally Cezo, Samaritan’s director of volunteer services.
“This project is a beautiful gift to our families — a lovely way to brighten their holidays,” Cezo said. “It remains a truly inter-generational event, with small children helping their parents and grandparents to make deliveries, teens helping to fill the baskets and carry them out to drivers’ cars and adults of all ages volunteering their time.”
This year’s project was made possible through the support of Neil Dinsfriend, Crowne Plaza director of catering and conference services and his staff, as well as the following community donors: Church & Dwight Co. Inc., John and Kate Gillespie and Moorestown Rotary Charities.
First-time participant Dinsfriend shared how Samaritan had cared for his dad about 14 years ago and been there for his family. He said he understands that many people caring for a loved one might not have the time or energy to cook a holiday meal.
“When I heard about this project,” he said, “I told my General Manager Ehab Mehany that we just have to do this. It’s a way to give back.”
The Link family also appreciated the communal effort.
Charlie Link, almost 93 years old and caring for his wife Doris, 90, beamed as he opened the door to accept the basket from Doreen Jeitner, a Samaritan hospice nurse.
Jeitner volunteered to deliver baskets with her 6-year-old grandson Danny.
As Charlie and his son Charles happily checked out the basket’s contents, he said, “I will be thinking of all of you with great gratitude as we enjoy this food.” He added, “I can’t thank Samaritan enough for helping me keep a 68-year wedding vow to take care of my wife at home.”
