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Mission Committee members drawn to service by personal experience

Larry and Linda DeDonder were already active volunteers in and around Emporia when they decided to join the Emporia Presbyterian Manor Mission Committee a little more than three years ago. While they had known of the community for years, it wasn’t until a family member became a resident that they became aware of the important role it played in the community.

“My mother was a resident for about three years,” said Linda. “It turned out to be a great solution for her, and I very much appreciated knowing that there was somebody nearby in case she needed any help.”

For Larry, seeing the care Linda’s mother received was a truly eye-opening experience.

“It wasn’t until Linda’s mother was [living there] that I discovered just how caring the Presbyterian Manor was,” said Larry.

As members of the Mission Committee, Larry and Linda support the community by coordinating events like the holiday luminarias and the annual Veteran’s Day celebration as well as working on various fundraising efforts.

“Calling about fundraising isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but I have had very positive responses, and I think that indicates that the community appreciate what the Presbyterian Manor provides,” said Linda.

In addition to the Mission Committee, the DeDonders are also active in their church and volunteer once a week for the sheriff’s department.

“We enjoy volunteering and seeing the fruits of our labor—that’s what is important to us,” said Larry.

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