Seniors in Windham Bake 'Treats from the Heart' for Local Food Pantry

To continue a longstanding tradition, seniors at Windham Terrace assisted living community created homemade “treats from the heart” to deliver to families in need this holiday season. Together the service group ladies shared laughs, joy and a love for baking. In addition, their hearts were filled with a wonderful feeling that only comes when you help others. The residents and staff baked 80 loaves of dessert breads from scratch, decoratively wrapped them and will deliver them to Windham Helping Hands. This nonprofit organization works closely with families in need of assistance each week and depends on donations like this to feed them.

This project was inspired through many conversations within the senior living community about ways they could continue to do everyday activities with a greater purpose. A majority of the residents have always given back to their communities in various ways through their churches, children’s schools or homeless shelters and wanted to be sure to continue that giving spirit in their senior years.

“A few years ago I was going through a tough time with my health, so I know what it’s like to have something as simple as a loaf of bread lift your spirits,” said Irma Barrett, a resident at Windham Terrace. “I enjoy baking and making things in the kitchen, so if I can use my hobby to bring joy to others I’m happy to volunteer my time as much as I can.”

As seniors age, they aren’t always able to lend their time as generously as before due to changing physical capacity. Windham Terrace looks for small ways that their residents can make a huge impact in their community.

“Giving back to the community in various ways like this provides each of us with purpose and meaning,” said Alicia Sell, life enrichment director for Windham Terrace. “We hope these homemade goodies will make these families as happy as it has made our residents to bake them. They were created with lots of love, care and of course, fun.”

Throughout the year, Windham Terrace residents and staff have found many other ways to give back to their community. They’ve assisted in preparations for the annual Turkey Trot race, created a “giving tree” to gather school supplies for underprivileged children and participated in many other meaningful volunteer activities. These not only benefit the surrounding community but build camaraderie and create joy as the residents and staff take time to be together and create memories.

“I’ve been volunteering my whole life, so I don’t see how I would do anything differently just because I’m in my 80s,” said Barrett. “There are so many people who have a lot less than I do, so I think especially during the holidays it is important to give back because we want other families to experience the joy of the season.”