Lincoln Appraisal & Settlement Services, a national Appraisal Management Company (AMC), recently made a charitable financial contribution to a nonprofit organization devoted to helping those who are hopeless, alone or suicidal, The Samaritans of Rhode Island.

The Samaritans of RI Suicide Prevention and Resource Center was established on December 12, 1977, and has since remained the only agency solely dedicated to addressing the stigma associated with suicide. Many individuals who have come to The Samaritans of RI for support feel that the non-judgmental environment and deep compassion of the volunteers has been extremely helpful in getting them through tough times. To learn more about the non-profit organization or to donate, visit their website at http://www.samaritansri.org/.

Lincoln Appraisal & Settlement Services recently donated funds to The Samaritans of RI to go towards the production of the only fund-raising capital campaign video for the organization, consisting of several heart-felt testimonials told by people in the community who have lost a loved one to suicide. Rui P. Alves, Board President of The Samaritans of RI stated, "The Board of Directors, staff and volunteers are grateful for the support of Lincoln Appraisal & Settlement Services in helping create this video.  The Samaritans of RI helps thousands of Rhode Islanders each year, but our work is by nature anonymous, confidential and free of charge. The stories told on this video give a public voice to those we help and allow the public to support our work."

About Lincoln Appraisal

A national Appraisal Management & Settlement Services Company, Lincoln Appraisal & Settlement Services, is fully FHA & Fannie Mae compliant, and is a premier provider of a full suite of residential, commercial, and specialized appraisal, title, and closing services/products to the real estate industry. Their clients include some of the nation's largest lending institutions, mortgage brokers, investment banks, law firms, mortgage insurance, and mortgage servicing companies which include: Urban Financial Group, Sovereign Bank, Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation (MGIC), Crescent Mortgage, and Home State Bank.

SOURCE Lincoln Appraisal & Settlement Services

Eddie Bauer, a specialty retailer of sportswear, outerwear, gear and accessories for the active, outdoor lifestyle, today announced that it collected more than 6,000 coats in its first coast-to-coast coat drive in partnership with One Warm Coat. One Warm Coat is the only national non-profit organization that works with local agencies to distribute donated coats for free to people in need.

From October 1 through November 21, 58 Eddie Bauer stores from Boston to Seattle collected and distributed coats via 14 local charities to ensure direct impact in each store's community. The multi-city campaign kicked off in Boston and continued through Detroit, Milwaukee, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Denver and Boulder, culminating in Eddie Bauer's hometown of Seattle. On Sunday, November 21, Eddie Bauer celebrated the coat drive with a community event that included appearances by climbing legend Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mt. Everest in 1963; Whittaker's son and climber Leif Whittaker; and First Ascent Guides Ed Viesturs and Reggie Crist. The event, held at University Village in Seattle, also featured live performances from local bands.

"Eddie Bauer knew a warm coat could save a life. After nearly freezing to death on a fishing trip, he patented the first down jacket in the U.S.," said Neil Fiske, president and CEO of Eddie Bauer. "Now, through the generosity of our customers, we are able to affect the lives of more than 6,000 individuals. Eddie would be proud."

One Warm Coat has a long-standing commitment with groups, companies and organizations across the country to deliver donated coats directly to local agencies who in turn ensure coats are distributed free of charge to people in need. All partner charities focused on aiding the homeless in each respective city, including St. Vincent de Paul, the Salvation Army, Hope for the City, Detroit Rescue Mission, Home of the Sparrow and Hesed House. In support of their mission, Eddie Bauer donated $10,000 to One Warm Coat.

ABOUT ONE WARM COAT

One Warm Coat is national non-profit organization that supports and encourages coat drives.  It helps individuals, groups, companies and organizations across the country collect coats and deliver them to local agencies that distribute the coats free to people in need.  More than 1.5 million coats have been provided to those in need at no cost since its inception in 1992.

ABOUT EDDIE BAUER

Established in 1920 in Seattle, Eddie Bauer is a specialty retailer that sells sportswear, outerwear, gear and accessories for the active outdoor lifestyle. The Eddie Bauer brand is a nationally recognized brand that stands for high quality, innovation, style and customer service. Eddie Bauer products are available at approximately 358 stores throughout the United States and Canada, through catalog sales and online at eddiebauer.com.

American Legion teamwork and the generosity of a Connecticut-based non-profit organization are making this Thanksgiving a happier day for a great number of wounded warriors.  

The American Legion has distributed $60 gift checks to 2,000 wounded veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.  The funds were provided by the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes (CSAH), a non-profit organization that identifies itself as "the leading non-governmental provider of emergency financial relief to wounded soldiers from Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom and their families."  

The Coalition partners with corporate sponsors, individual contributors, and volunteers "to provide a simple and meaningful way for individuals and corporations to help these veterans and their families rebuild their lives."

Verna Jones, director of the Legion's veterans affairs and rehabilitation division in Washington, said the Legion's involvement began with a call from the Coalition to D.C. headquarters offering gift money for distribution to wounded warriors. "We, in turn, passed the word along to our network of department adjutants, commanders and service officers, asking them to identify veterans who would most benefit from a holiday gift."  

National Guard and reserve units, the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) and Walter Reed Army Medical Center were also asked to participate. "The response was overwhelming," Jones said, "with literally thousands of emails and phone calls pouring in."

The American Legion's national headquarters in Indianapolis administered the preparation and mailing of the gift checks, each with a letter attached from Roger Chapin, president and founder of CSAH, who explained:  "In 2005, the Coalition started distributing checks and gift cards to severely wounded service members just before special holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

"These can be especially difficult times for disabled veterans who are struggling to make ends meet," he continued. "Thanksgiving, in particular, is all about spending time with family, so we wanted these veterans and their loved ones to be able to truly enjoy the occasion and be reminded of how much their sacrifices are appreciated by the American people."

Chapin continued, "We are delighted [that] The American Legion is assisting us in the distribution of the holiday checks. This will make them appreciated even more since our veterans hold the Legion in such high regard."  Chapin says, as of this season, 10,000 deserving disabled servicemen and women will have been awarded holiday checks or gift cards worth collectively more than $2.3 million.

SOURCE The American Legion

Running out the door to kick off the holiday shopping season on Black Friday?  Before you hit the mall consider throwing your no-longer-used cell phone in your bag too.  Why?  HopeLine® from Verizon collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores nationwide or by mail and turns them into support for victims of domestic violence.

Proceeds from the HopeLine program are used to provide wireless phones and airtime to victims of domestic violence and cash grants to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention, awareness and advocacy.  Since the October 2001 launch of the HopeLine cell phone recycling program, Verizon Wireless has collected more than 7 million phones, distributed more than 90,000 phones with free wireless service to victims of domestic violence, and awarded cash grants of more than $7.9 million to organizations working to prevent domestic violence.

Shoppers planning to go online for gifts this holiday season, on Cyber Monday and beyond, can also download a HopeLine postage-paid mailing label available at www.verizonwireless.com/hopelinemailinglabel and simply drop off their donations in the mail. 

If the latest device from Verizon Wireless is on your holiday shopping list, remember that it's easy to recycle old cell phones and help a worthy community cause in the process too.

To learn more about HopeLine from Verizon, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline or see more at www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnkDUsmkQlk.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 93 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 79,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless

In addition, the Walmart legal department and the Walmart Foundation today announced a $115,000 donation to Legal Aid of Arkansas and the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission. The grant will help the Commission continue its efforts to address key issues raised by low-income clients, including family law, consumer practice, financial, housing, and employment matters.  

"Our pro bono effort is a natural extension of our company's overall belief in being a good corporate citizen," said Jeff Gearhart, executive vice president and general counsel of Walmart. "Helping to ensure that access to legal services is a reality for all of our citizens, regardless of their ability to pay, is consistent with Walmart's commitment to making a difference in the communities that we serve."

"We are delighted to have Walmart sign on as the 100th Signatory to the Corporate Pro Bono Challenge," said Esther Lardent, president and CEO of PBI.  "As one of the largest companies in the world, Walmart's commitment to pro bono, including the hiring of a dedicated pro bono staff lawyer, sets a high bar for the corporate community."   

Among the state's legal aid champions, many believe that Walmart's program will have a domino effect on other Arkansas corporations.

Jim Julian, president of the Arkansas Bar Association added, "I cannot overstate the significance of the pro bono commitment that Walmart has made at a corporate level.  This commitment will result in the provision of services worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to Arkansans needing help with civil legal issues.  In addition, Walmart's leadership in implementing such a program will serve as a model to other corporate legal departments and law firms in the state that are looking to increase their pro bono involvement."

"Walmart has once again demonstrated its commitment to empowering low-income Arkansans through the mobilization of both the financial and human resources needed to ensure that all citizens of our state have access to civil legal help," said Justice Annabelle Imber Tuck, chair of the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission.  "Financial support and pro bono involvement are both necessary if we are to close the justice gap in Arkansas, and we are tremendously grateful for Walmart's leadership on both fronts."    

The $115,000 award from the Walmart Foundation will assist Legal Aid of Arkansas in funding its Medical-Legal Partnership with Mid-Delta Health Systems, which serves patients in six of Arkansas' poorest counties, located in the Mississippi River Delta area.  

About Philanthropy at Walmart

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. The Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From Feb. 1, 2009 through Jan. 31, 2010, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $512 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally, $467 million of which was donated in the U.S. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

About The Arkansas Access to Justice Commission

The Arkansas Access to Justice Commission works to provide equal access to justice in civil cases to all Arkansans. The Commission's major projects include educating the public about poverty in Arkansas, recruiting pro bono attorneys, supporting courts and self-represented individuals and soliciting contributions for legal aid. Contributions to the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission are divided between the state's two legal aid organizations according to their poverty populations.

About Legal Aid of Arkansas

Legal Aid of Arkansas is a non-profit corporation with a vision to improve the lives of low-income Arkansans by championing equal access to justice regardless of economic or social circumstances. Legal Aid of Arkansas serves 31 counties in Arkansas and provides free legal help with civil legal matters to those who qualify. If you or someone you know needs help with a legal problem, have a question you think a lawyer should answer or have been sued and don't know where to turn, call the Legal Aid Hotline at 1-800-952-9243.

About Corporate Pro Bono

Corporate Pro Bono, a partnership project of the Pro Bono Institute and the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), is designed to substantially increase the amount of pro bono work performed by in-house counsel and to enhance the pro bono culture of in-house legal departments through technical assistance to the in-house community, targeted research and publications, online information and services, and outreach and educational programming. Corporate Pro Bono also works closely with ACC chapters to focus their resources and agendas on pro bono service.

About the Pro Bono Institute

Established in 1996, PBI is a nonprofit organization with a mandate to explore and identify new approaches to the poor and disadvantaged unable to secure legal assistance to address critical problems. In doing so, PBI identifies and develops innovative programs and undertakes rigorous evaluations to ensure that these new approaches are workable and effective. PBI administers a number of projects designed to enhance access to justice, including: the Law Firm Pro Bono Project®, Corporate Pro Bono, Second Acts®, Global Pro Bono, and Public Interest Pro Bono.

About the Association of Corporate Counsel

The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), PBI's partner in launching and administering CPBO, is the world's largest organization serving the professional and business interests of attorneys who practice in the legal departments of corporations, associations, and other private-sector organizations around the globe. With more than 26,000 members employed by over 10,000 organizations in more than 76 countries, ACC connects its members to each other, and to the resources necessary for personal and professional growth.

SOURCE Walmart

In spite of the economic downturn, Americans remain committed to digging deep into their pockets to support charitable causes this holiday season even as they cut back more on other holiday activities, according to a new national survey by the American Red Cross.

While 86 percent of Americans reported their personal finances are the same or worse than last year, 72 percent expect to give the same amount or more than last year to charity.

And nearly six in 10 say that because the economy is in bad shape it is more important this year to give to charity.

“While the economy is still difficult for many people this year, the majority of Americans still expect to maintain their levels of charitable giving,” said Gail J. McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross.  “Americans understand that the needs are great and while it has never been harder to give, it has never felt better.”

The survey, conducted October 21-24, found that seven in 10 people (70 percent) are planning to reduce spending for at least one common holiday expense.  More than four in 10 plan to reduce spending on travel (43 percent) and decorations (45 percent), and more than a third will make cuts in entertaining (38 percent) and gifts (35 percent) for friends and family.  By comparison, only about one of five (23 percent) plan to reduce their charitable contributions compared to last year.

About a third (32 percent) say they are not planning charitable donations over the holidays, with half of them (52 percent) saying they just don’t have the money to donate.

Red Cross Kicking Off 2010 Holiday Giving Campaign

The Red Cross announced the survey findings as it kicked off its second holiday giving campaign, featuring its holiday giving catalog, www.redcross.org/gifts.  The Red Cross has more than 20 gift ideas — such as assisting someone in the military with a phone card or supplies, providing food and shelter to a disaster victim, covering the costs of snacks at a blood drive, or giving basic necessities to a family in another country.

In addition, for the first time, the Red Cross is offering a Spanish-language version of the catalog, www.cruzrojaamericana.org/catalogo.

The purchase of each gift item is a tax-deductible contribution to the overall mission of the American Red Cross.  On the rare occasion when donations exceed the need in a particular area, we will use your contribution to help others where the need is greatest.

More Women Committed to Donations to Charity, but Men Giving Higher Amounts

The Red Cross survey found that women have a strong sense of giving as a part of the holiday tradition and are more likely to take the current economy into consideration when giving.  When it comes to opening their wallets, however, men tend to give to charity in higher amounts.

About seven in eight women (86 percent) say that helping someone less fortunate is an important part of the holiday tradition, higher than the 69 percent of men.  Nearly two in three women (65 percent) feel charitable giving is more important in light of the economy; only half of men (51 percent) agree.

However, while women report a higher propensity to give, the survey shows that men seem to dig a little deeper to do so.  Of the three in five Americans (57 percent) planning to donate to charity this holiday season, around two in five men (38 percent) will give more than $100 to charity.  Only about one in four women (24 percent) plan to donate that amount.

*These results are based on a national probability sample of 1,005 telephone interviews among adults 18 years and older living in private households in the continental United States, conducted from October 21-24, 2010.  The margin of error for data based on total sample is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.  The survey was conducted by CARAVAN®, an omnibus service of Infogroup – ORC for American Red Cross.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

SOURCE American Red Cross

FlatRate Moving™ and the privately funded not-for-profit organization FeedingNYC are teaming up to provide and deliver Thanksgiving meals to 8,000 New York City families in need this holiday season.

FlatRate Moving™ has been partnered with FeedingNYC since 2008. This year, FlatRate Moving™ is not only one of FeedingNYC's top sponsors, but is also its exclusive moving company. FlatRate Moving™ will provide its fleet of moving trucks, drivers, boxes, and logistics planning to facilitate this effort. The non-profit has also partnered with Robin Hood, New York City's leading poverty-fighting organization.

"The number of families that are in dire need of help has increased," says Jon Katz, VP of Sales and Marketing at FlatRate Moving™. "It is important that they have a meal this Thanksgiving. We are so honored to be a part of such a great organization that helps so many."

FeedingNYC allows members of the local business community to connect with New York City families in need of assistance during the holidays. Founded in 2001 by LivePerson CEO Robert LoCascio, FeedingNYC's mission is to supply turkey dinners to families in shelters throughout Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs. During its first year, FeedingNYC was able to feed 40 families around New York. This year, the efforts of FlatRate Moving™ and several other corporate sponsors will feed thousands of families in need. On November 23, 2010, over 8,000 turkeys will be given out to various organizations, including Women in Need and Secured Horizons.

"FlatRate and all of the companies involved are partnering to serve the local community in such an incredible way," says Brian Cristiano, CEO of 24DP, FlatRate Moving's Agency of Record. "The reach that they have will help a lot of families who are currently struggling or living in shelters. Their impact is huge."

To donate to FeedingNYC, or to volunteer during the 2010 Thanksgiving holiday, please visit http://www.feedingnyc.org or www.flatrate.com/feedingnyc.

About:

FlatRate Moving: www.flatrate.com

FeedingNYC: www.feedingnyc.com

SOURCE FlatRate Moving

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the New York Tri-State Area (RMHC-NYTSA)  is awarding over $400,000 in scholarships to local graduating high school seniors.  Students in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut (Fairfield County) Tri-State Area can download an application at www.rmhc.org or call 1-866-851-3994.  The submission deadline is January 28, 2011.

RMHC and its local Chapters provide aid to outstanding graduating high school students who cannot afford the cost of a college education and strive to offer these students the chance to fulfill their educational goals to become the future leaders of tomorrow.  The scholarships are distributed based on demonstrated academic achievement, financial need and community involvement.  

"The RMHC U.S. Scholarship Program focuses on supporting students from communities with limited access to educational and career opportunities by providing the appropriate tools to aid their success," said Gerald McCoy, president of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the New York Tri-State Area. "Watching the results of our winners, as they graduate college and go after their dreams is not only rewarding, but also inspiring."

The RMHC-NYSTA Scholarship Program is comprised of four individual scholarships:

• RMHC/ASIA- Asian Student Increasing Awareness Scholarship- Applicant must have at least one parent of Asian/Pacific-Islander heritage
• RMHC/AAFA- African American Future Achievers Scholarship- Applicant must have at least one parent of African American or Black Caribbean heritage
• RMHC/HACER- Applicant must have at least one parent of Hispanic/Latino heritage
• RMHC Scholars- All students may apply regardless of ethnic heritage.  Asian, African American and Hispanic students are welcome to apply for the RMHC Scholars program provided they have not applied for one of the three scholarship programs listed above

RMHC began its support of scholarship programs in 1985, by committing $50,000 toward the first scholarships awarded through the Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources (HACER) program. In 2001, the RMHC/ASIA (Asian Students Increasing Awareness) and RMHC/AAFA (African American Future Achievers Scholarships) began. By 2007, the U.S. RMHC Scholarship Program had awarded more than $29 million in scholarships. To date, RMHC National has awarded more than $32 million to help high school seniors attend college.  

About Ronald McDonald House Charities of the New York Tri-State Area

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the New York Tri-State Area is working to better the lives of children and their families in our communities, by creating and supporting programs that directly improve the well-being of children in the areas of health, education, the arts, and civic and social services. Since 1992, RMHC-NYTSA has provided more than $10 million dollars to local non-profit organizations whose programs improve the well-being of children and their families.  For further information on the Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Tri-State Area, visit www.rmhcnewyorktri-state.org or call 973.287.1476.

(c) 2010 McDonald's  

SOURCE Ronald McDonald House Charities

Radio frequency technology is credited with helping save lives for individuals enrolled in the Project Lifesaver program.

Experts estimate that over 5 million people have Alzheimer's disease, and the numbers are expected to multiply in the years to come. Nearly 60% of people with Alzheimer's will wander at some point during the progression of the disease, and many will wander repeatedly.  Additionally, children with autism and Down syndrome also have a tendency to wander, and in a recent National Autism Association survey, nearly 92% of parents felt their autistic child was at risk of wandering away and becoming lost.

Individuals with a medical tendency to wander, including those with Alzheimer's disease, autism, Down syndrome, and other cognitive conditions, who are enrolled in Project Lifesaver, wear a small transmitter around the wrist or ankle that emits a tracking signal. If the individual goes missing, the caregiver notifies their local Project Lifesaver agency, and a trained emergency team responds.

On November 7, 2010, an 18-year old boy with Down syndrome wandered from his home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  According to reports, this area is highly populated, with a large river flowing two miles from the boy's last seen location. Project Lifesaver units responded and a helicopter unit was dispatched in the air. Officers were getting faint signals intermittently from the radio frequency tracking equipment, and after the hits, ground units were dispatched to various places where the signals were heard.  The client was found a short time later, entangled in roots and vines about halfway down a 40-foot high riverbank cliff.  Officers were able to climb up the riverbank and safely rescue the boy, who was then transported to the hospital for observation and released the following day in good condition. Authorities believe, had the boy not been wearing a Project Lifesaver bracelet, he may not have been found in time.

Additionally, the Norfolk Sheriff's office in Norfolk, Virginia recently had three Project Lifesaver searches occur in the same evening. According to the release from Norfolk, on November 10, 2010, a 69-year old male with Alzheimer's disease wandered from home. The immediate area was searched and officers received a signal from the man's Project Lifesaver bracelet. He was located walking along a city street and was returned home in good condition. While searching for this first client, the Project Lifesaver coordinator then received word that a 67-year old woman with Alzheimer's had been missing for 7 1/2 hours. The Norfolk Emergency Operations Center found that the woman was checked into a Community Mental Health center a short time earlier that evening, and as personnel were being cleared from the second call, another page came in regarding a 62-year old missing, mentally handicapped man.  A signal was picked up at a 7-11 as units were canvassing the area, and he was found inside enjoying a cup of coffee and engaging in conversation with other customers. The man was returned to his assisted living facility in good condition.  This was the 45th Project Lifesaver call for Norfolk in 2010, with all missing persons found in good condition and returned home safely.

"It is critical for communities to have a pro-active program in place like Project Lifesaver to help find those who go missing and cannot find their way home. There is no better feeling than locating someone who has become lost, and reuniting them safely with their family.  That is what this program is all about – saving lives," said Gene Saunders, Chief Executive Officer of Project Lifesaver International.

To date, Project Lifesaver agencies have rescued over 2,200 people, in an average time of 30 minutes, with no serious injuries or fatalities ever reported.

About Project Lifesaver International

Established in 1999, Project Lifesaver International is a non-profit organization that is committed to helping families quickly find their loved ones who wander because of Alzheimer's, Down syndrome, dementia, autism, and other cognitive conditions. Project Lifesaver trains agencies on search and rescue techniques and equipment, as well as how to interact with individuals once they are found to help facilitate a safe escort home.  Project Lifesaver is also endorsed by many leading organizations in the country, including the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, National Autism Association, National Sheriff's Association, and additional organizations. For more information, visit www.projectlifesaver.org. 

SOURCE Project Lifesaver International

Most teenagers spend their summers staying out late, tanning at the beach, and enjoying their last days of freedom.   That's not the case with 18-year-old Corey Permann, who used the season to figure out a way to bring joy to seniors with Alzheimer's and other memory-impairments at Silverado Senior Living – Escondido in Escondido, California.

While most children are lucky enough to know their grandparents, Corey grew up with dozens of them.  This is because his mother, Carilyn Long, has worked at Silverado for the past seven years.  Thanks to the company's philosophy that children should be an integral part of the community's environment, Carilyn began bringing Corey to work with her on a regular basis when he was 12.

"I was always comfortable having him at Silverado," said Long. "Between the caregivers, nurses, other associates and the residents, there is always a really good feeling here. Silverado is a warm living environment. If there isn't a club event or activity happening, pets are running down the hallways and people are interacting. Our Silverado associates really know their residents and they love their work. It was a great learning environment for Corey."

Corey said:  "I used to visit the communities and help the activities director with games and outings."  While other kids his age were sometimes uneasy around seniors, he said, "I am always comfortable with older people because I'm used to it. I grew up with them."

Nearing completion of becoming an Eagle Scout, Corey wanted to do something special for the residents. Knowing many of them love the outdoors and gardening, he decided to build a portable planter box for residents to plant, tend and enjoy.

To acquire funding for his project, Corey sought donations from local businesses. After receiving a large contribution from Ace Coolers, he asked his friends to help with a fund-raising car wash to obtain the rest of the money needed for supplies. Working with Silverado's plant operations team, Corey built and painted the box in three days. Once complete, he invited the residents to help plant flowers.

"My favorite part was working with everyone to fill the planter. It just feels good to make the residents happy," Corey said.

Now planted, residents and associates enjoy the generous gift from Corey, a young man who grew up and gave back to Silverado.

Silverado Senior Living offers assisted living memory-care as well as home care, care management and hospice care through its Silverado At Home and Silverado Hospice service lines.  It is based in Irvine, Calif. and operates in 34 locations across California, Texas, Utah, and Arizona. Its website is www.Silveradosenior.com.

SOURCE Silverado Senior Living