Volunteers show giving spirit during holidays

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Published on Wednesday, 14 December 2011 15:09

For those living in nursing homes during the holidays, the best present may be a volunteer’s presence.

For 48 years, Pauline McGowen has been a regular at Rebold Manor, a Grace Living Center community in Okmulgee. Her best friend Dixie Wilhite has volunteered at the home for 35 years. Their decades of service have been a gift to Rebold residents and a shining light for the home’s employees.

“They just love people, especially the elderly,” said Patsy Cindle, the home’s activities director. “They inspire all of us to reach out to others, in any way we can.”

For McGowen, 89, and Wilhite, 79, the act of giving is a reward unto itself. Every Tuesday, they visit with residents and staff, help prepare and serve meals and play the piano and sing hymns.

“I just have a compassion for people,” McGowen said. “The best thing anyone ever said to me is ‘You bring some of the sunshine in.’”

The women met when McGowen taught Sunday school to a then teen-aged Wilhite. McGowen still teaches Sunday school, and the two also have been honored as top volunteers for the American Red Cross.

“The best investment you can make in your life is to volunteer,” Wilhite said. “The residents make me feel so good. I’m there for them, not for me.”

Volunteers also are an important part of life at other Grace Living Centers.

At Grace Living Center – Jenks, Beulah Coulson visits one day each week, going to residents’ rooms to talk and reminisce.

Coulson, 83, often will take an antique item like a quilt block or roller skates as a way to spark conversation.

“It always prompts them to tell a story,” Coulson said. “Sometimes I will bring a poem to read that relates to that item.”

Coulson said she was inspired to volunteer after spending time with her mother in a Kansas home and seeing that many residents did not often have visitors.

At Grace Living Center – NE 21 in Oklahoman City, members of several churches give their time and resources.

Church of Triumph members visit regularly and once each month give free haircuts and manicures to residents.

Church member John Lewis said everyone deserves a little pampering.

“We’ve been doing this since 1994,” he said. “We believe in doing onto others as you would have them do onto you.”

Lewis said some residents don’t have any living relatives or family members who visit them, perhaps because they live too far away.

“We make these people a part of our families,” he said. “We bring our kids and grandkids. It’s more than a program to us. It’s a part of who we are.”

At Grace Living Center – Chickasha, retired minister Larry Hatfield visits nearly every day with residents.

“He also will play the piano and visit with staff if we need someone to talk to,” said activities director Tammy Moss. “He truly is a blessing and reminds us that we are servants on this earth.”

Hatfield said even a smile or a pat on the back can make someone’s day.

“It’s just rewarding. I get more than I give. I just love doing it,” he said.

There are 24 Grace Living Centers in Oklahoma. Each is independently owned and operated.