Financial gifts ease the burden of COVID

While we have witnessed life as we know it turn upside down these past five months during the pandemic, we have also experienced an outpouring of generous financial donations to help our community during these unprecedented times.

“When a family member gives to our campus in honor or memory of a loved one, or even just because they feel led to help however they can, it is one of the highest praises our campus feels that reassures us that we are fulfilling our mission. By supporting us, we know that this family truly believes we are fulfilling our mission and it makes us all feel great appreciation for the tasks we perform daily,” said Crystal Stock, marketing director.

We are so grateful for the families featured here – and so many others – who have shown their support either through financial support, sewing skills with handmade masks and prayers.

The Andrews Family

Janell Andrews and her husband, Glen, felt compelled to give to the COVID fund. Janell’s dad, Harold Stevenson, is currently in memory care and has been living at Presbyterian Manor for 10 years this fall. Her mother, Jan, lived here for six years before she passed away.

“My husband and I chose to donate to help the staff in any way that could facilitate the job they have to do day in and day out. They’re working so hard and doing a fabulous job. The staff is outstanding, as is Susan, and I know they’re doing a good job. Any way we can help support that, they’re going to need it. It’s not much in the scheme of things, but hopefully it helped a little bit,” said Janell.

Janell’s family felt the devastating impact of COVID first-hand.

“My aunt was in a retirement community in Colorado Springs and died of the virus the first part of April. People just don’t realize the challenge in these types of communities is phenomenal. It hit home really fast after they called the quarantine,” she added.

To stay connected, Janell has window visits with her dad and they use a phone to hear each other better.

The Bock Family

Another family that gives generously to Presbyterian Manor throughout the year are the Bocks. John Bock has lived on our campus for few years and his wife, Elsie, passed away last year.

“With the onset of COVID 19, we know that everything related to resident care at Emporia Presbyterian Manor has been turned upside down. With these challenges, certainly come increased costs. Will public funds be available to meet these challenges? We do not know. What we do know, is that assistance to help meet these additional needs was not in their budget. We are so thankful that, unlike many communities, the Presbyterian Manor has managed to avoid the devastating consequences of the virus,” said Curtis Bock, son of John Bock.

The Bock family has strong ties to the Emporia Presbyterian Manor that go back nearly 40 years!

“Our family has been helped by the Emporia Presbyterian Manor, starting with my grandmother in the 1980's, and more recently, our good friend Martha Roniger. When it became obvious in 2018 that our parents could no longer manage in their home near Elmdale, my sister and I knew where they should be,” said Curtis. “We have appreciated the good care our mother received before her death last year, and the care my father has received as well. We felt it only right to give back to the caregiving community that has helped our family and loved ones.”

He added, “We are in hopes that the COVID donations will help purchase some of the additional supplies that are needed. We also hope that this pandemic ends soon. If not, we will dig deeper.”

Resident Nina Gragg

Nina Gragg is an active and long-time resident of the Presbyterian Manor. Her brother, Arlo, lived on campus for a couple years before he passed away in May.

“My brother died, and I wanted to do something in his memory. Arlo was a very giving person and did a lot of charity work. He helped people out that needed help. This is something he really would have liked and contributed to,” said Nina.

She added, “I know a lot of people are really suffering through this. We’re suffering here but it’s a different kind of suffering. It seemed like a good thing to do to help others out.”

To stay positive during this time, Nina has stayed connected with her family in various ways.

“We do FaceTime so we get to talk to one another and I get to see them. I have a granddaughter with great-grandchildren and my son in Osage City (and his wife) and they drive by and we holler at one another. We do all the little things we can do to stay together,” said Nina.

She offers good advice for everyone: “Keep the faith and keep your mask on.”

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