Golden Threads spreads a bit of holiday cheer through Operation Cookie Drop
FREMONT - ProMedica Memorial Hospital’s cafeteria was transformed into a bake shop on Dec. 19 as members of Golden Threads frosted 850 dozen cookies to donate to local residents who need a little extra cheer during the holidays. They were volunteering their creative skills as part of the annual Golden Threads Operation Cookie Drop.
“We’ve been doing this for over 25 years,” said Golden Threads Director Annette Overmyer. “The dietary department baked the cookies, and our members iced, packed and delivered them.”
Golden Threads is a ProMedica Memorial Hospital program for seniors age 55 and older.
Frosting and sprinkles added in bright colors
During Operation Cookie Drop, Golden Threads members iced the cookies in bright Christmas colors and sprinkled on candy decorations. The cookies were boxed and delivered to a number of local agencies that service the senior population.
“We’re taking 335 dozen to GLCAP Meals on Wheels, and we have two dialysis centers in Fremont who get cookies for their patients,” Overmyer said. “We’ll take some to the Memorial pain clinic and some to ProMedica home health and hospice patients.”
Cookies were also delivered to Janel Terrace and Fort Stephenson.
“If there are any left, we’ll take platters of cookies to local nursing homes,” Overmyer said. “We do this to remind seniors and people with health issues that they’re not alone. They’re thought of. Hopefully, it will bring a lot of cheer to them.”
Golden Threads offers a variety of resources and services for seniors, such as connecting them with supplemental food assistance.
“We help people navigate through the 55-and-up years,” Overmyer said.
One of the missions of Golden Threads is to help seniors understand Medicare. Volunteers who are certified through the Ohio Department of Insurance explain Medicare options before a senior visits with an insurance agent so they are well-informed before they walk in the door.
“We’re a neutral party who helps you so you don’t make blind decisions,” Overmyer said.
Golden Threads can help find resources for aging parents
Golden Threads not only helps seniors, but it also gives peace of mind to adult children who live out of town. They can contact Golden Threads to find resources for their aging parents.
“We can help connect them with mobile meals and adult assisted living, and when it’s time for their parents to transition to long-term care, we can let them know what’s out there,” Overmyer said.
Golden Threads is also committed to keeping seniors active and fulfilled, so it hosts events such as out-ot-town group trips and organizes volunteer activities like Operation Cookie Drop.
“I joined Golden Threads because they have a lot of bus trips, and my husband and I like to go on those,” said Sue Felder of Bellevue as she iced cookies at the hospital. “We went on a week trip with them to New Orleans. Annette does a wonderful job.”
Connie Jeannette of Fremont also volunteered for Operation Cookie Drop. She was operations manager for 360 Health at the hospital before she retired.
“I retired from here and then came back to help with Golden Threads,” Jeannette said. “Golden Threads is just very helpful. They helped me figure out my retirement. Annette is wonderful.”
Fremont is lucky to have Golden Threads, Overmyer said, because many hospitals have discontinued their senior resource programs.
“We’re the only non-revenue generating department of the hospital. Lots of hospitals got rid of these departments, but our hospital has always seen the value of what we do,” Overmyer said.
Contact correspondent Sheri Trusty at sheritrusty4@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Golden Threads members frost 850 dozen cookies to boost holiday spirits
