Parsonage Cottage Looks To Give Seniors A Lift
GREENWICH, CT — Parsonage Cottage, an assisted senior living facility in Greenwich, is starting a fundraising campaign to purchase a new, accessible passenger van for its seniors to use.
The facility currently has a van which was purchased in 2003, so it's time for an upgrade. The van is used for various reasons, including medical appointments, therapy, attending church services, shopping and scheduled outings for residents to get some external activities and engagement.
Parsonage Cottage, which is a part of Greenwich Cmmunities — formerly known as the Greenwich Housing Authority — is asking the community to support the Giving our Seniors A Lift campaign. There is a goal of $50,000.
"We know this is a grassroots effort, but every dollar will help us reach our goal of $50,000 to purchase a new van. We appreciate the sweetness shown to the residents last year, but what they truly need now is safe, accessible transportation," said Penny Lore, Executive Director of Parsonage Cottage, in a news release.
"Our residents need transportation for doctor's appointments, runs to CVS and the grocery store, and getting to church," she added. "The current van is over 18 years old, and while well-loved, it needs replacing."
First Selectman Fred Camillo is also calling for the community to step up.
"Accessible transportation is critical to keep our seniors connected to their Greenwich community," he said. "The seniors at Parsonage Cottage need our community's support in raising funds for the new van."
To make an online donation, click here, or send a tax-deductible contribution through the mail to:
Friends of Parsonage Cottage, Attn: Penny Lore
88 Parsonage Road
Greenwich, CT, 06830
The Parsonage Cottage Junior Advisory Board is also supporting the effort.
"My friends and I have supported Parsonage Cottage since I was in sixth grade. We started out helping to create mini-golf tournaments, which all the residents loved because everyone dresses in funny outfits. During COVID, when indoor parties were canceled, we organized a fun outdoor holiday party and parade," said eighth grader Hayden Santry in a news release.
"Now, we are helping them raise money for a van for the seniors, which they really need. We know a bunch of eighth graders can't raise the whole $50,000, but every bit counts," Santry added.
The Junior Advisory Board plans to hold fundraisers like ping pong exhibitions and car washes to raise money.
For more information on Parsonage Cottage, click here.
This article originally appeared on the Greenwich Patch
