By Harley Benda
Newsroom@DominionPost.com
COVID-19 has made many residing in assisted living or nursing homes very lonely, but the West Virginia Botanic Garden is trying to change that.
The garden, on Tyrone Road just outside of Morgantown, has put together a Garden Pals program throughout September and is hoping to bring smiles to those living in those facilities.
Kat Tanner, volunteer coordinator for the garden, said a grant made this all possible.
“Our original plan was to put on a youth run and senior walk for wellness for the garden. Unfortunately, COVID [happened],” Tanner said. “We were hoping we could postpone and postpone, but it just wasn’t going to work out safely for our participants and visitors. So, we decided to put that off until next year. I decided, ‘You know, what’s a way we can engage as many volunteers as possible while keeping everyone safely distanced?’ ”
Visitors to the garden were greeted by an ambassador on the weekends and various weekdays near the Host Pavilion, and then introduced to the program and a box full of cards with more than 100 pictures to choose from. Each picture was taken at the garden by either volunteers or staff.
Once a guest picks a card, they write a note or a memory of the garden on the back that will be delivered to a resident living in a local assisted living facility or nursing home in the first or second week of October.
While they haven’t reached their goal number of cards, Tanner said she feels confident that they can make it there.
“We have over 100 cards. My goal is 200, and I still have some volunteers who want to write bulk letters, so we’re hopeful to achieve that goal. Really, as many cards as we get out is going to be great. Even if five or 10, that’s five or 10 that can bring a smile to someone’s face.”
According to Tanner, the postcards will have homes in a couple of different facilities in the near future.
“I have three or four that I’ve already confirmed, and I have one or two additional facilities that are still getting their ducks in a row,” Tanner said. “Some facilities have only requested a few very specific to go to people. It all depends on HIPPA regulations.”
Tanner said she is thankful for the community for helping out during such a tough time for everyone.
“We’ve been really, really enthused and appreciative of all of the volunteers who’ve come out to support this program and the visitors who have taken the time to share their memories and their thoughts, because we’re all one community. … All of us coming together to help out one another is something that we can all benefit from.”
While the garden won’t be having any more cards to fill out in person, you can still help by contacting volunteers@wvbg.org. The garden is also open to any volunteer work in addressing and helping to deliver the cards.
Tweet @DominionPostWV
