Uplifting activities bring joy to King-Bruwaert House residents

Volunteerism comes naturally for Executive Administrative Assistant Debra Scinto of King-Bruwaert House (KBH) in Burr Ridge. For years, she dedicated her time and talents to making and underwriting useful toiletry bags for the homeless. She also assisted with the Illinois Honor Flight program and became an active member of the American Veterans Motorcycle Riders.

Now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she brings her enthusiasm to the residents of KBH. Already having a plentiful supply of shampoo, lotion and bars of soap for the residents, she added combs, body wash, shower caps, tissue, bandages and more to create and donate colorful gift bags for the seniors.

“It’s such a blessing to be able to help others,” Scinto said. “I love putting smiles on peoples’ faces.”

Scinto expanded her duties to assist the King-Bruwaert House Life Enrichment staff. She helps deliver the gift bags to residents who can no longer visit an in-house beauty salon that has been closed during the pandemic. It’s been gratifying for Scinto to surprise the residents with gifts that brighten their day.

She also joins the Life Enrichment and Social Services teams in assisting with Face-Time or Skype sessions that allow residents to connect with their families. These scheduled updates bring happiness to the residents as they keep up with news and updates from their loved ones and friends.

Other Life Enrichment team members, including Donna Granback, have been busy creating beautiful hand-made cards to give the residents with personalized messages.

“We’re having fun making the cards,” Granback said. “We are writing messages about things we admire about the residents and offering words of encouragement. “We’re excited to be able to do this.”

King-Bruwaert House has also strengthened its partnership with The Community House in Hinsdale during the pandemic through a pen-pal program between KBH residents and The Community House’s Junior Board. There was great excitement when the first letter arrived from a Community House Junior Board member who attends Hinsdale Central High School.

“We welcome these cards and letters to share with our residents,” said Andy Beltz, Senior Director of Development, Marketing and Communications. “This is a great intergenerational opportunity and something that is so appreciated.”

Beltz also encourages local students to send drawings, sketches, pictures and origami to him at andyb@kbhouse.org.

With news of the pandemic dominating newspapers, magazines, TV, radio and the Internet, residents search for ways to find spiritual and emotional support. King-Bruwaert House Chaplain Kathryn Price leads prayer sessions (with social distancing) and engages in reassuring and compassionate conversations. She has also been making weekly prayer packets to encourage hope and healing.

Chaplain Price reminds residents and staff how important it is to ponder and express gratitude each day for all that is positive in their lives. Gratitude relates to so many things, but certainly extends to the dedication and commitment of frontline physicians, nurses and medical personnel, fire and police officers, food service staff, transportation and postal workers, essential staff and all those who are making a difference each day.

Price quotes from David Steindl-Rast, a 93-year-old Catholic Benedictine monk, who said: “The root of joy is gratefulness…It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.”

For King-Bruwaert House residents, there is an outpouring of joy and gratitude that keeps them focused on a promising future.