The Legacy Willow Bend’s Knit and Crochet Club Warms the Hearts and Lives of Residents

In a heartwarming display of community spirit and compassion, The Legacy Willow Bend's Knit and Crochet Club donated 4,519 handmade items to 15 organizations in the Greater Dallas and Plano area. The donation event on Monday, December 4, was a special occasion. Attended by Plano Mayor John B. Muns and other community dignitaries, the event showcased an array of handcrafted items including scarves, dolls, blankets, hats, and washcloths. Each piece was lovingly created and presented, highlighting the community's dedication and skill. Mayor Muns also presented a "Certificate of Commendation" from the city, acknowledging this remarkable effort.

Event Highlights:

Located in Plano's only life care retirement community, the club has been a mainstay of volunteerism since 2010. Comprising residents of the Jewish-sponsored community, the club has produced over 42,662 items to date. This year the club continued its partnership with volunteers from Bank of America, dating back to 2019, topping hats with handmade pompoms. The club's 21 active members, who meet weekly, have collectively dedicated over 800 volunteer hours this year alone, leading up to the much-anticipated distribution event.

Brian Lovelace, activity professional certified, volunteer engagement manager at The Legacy Willow Bend, spoke about the heartfelt reactions to their donations: “The club’s efforts resonate deeply with the community. We hear stories that really hit home. One of the best was a recipient asking, ‘Someone made this for me?’ It shows the real difference we make. A hat or scarf from our club becomes a prized possession for many who have nothing else to call their own, and a handmade doll can light up a child's world during tough times. These heartfelt responses highlight how our club offers more than just physical comfort; we bring emotional support and a feeling of connection to those who need it most.”

The Legacy Knit and Crochet Club, deeply committed to volunteering and contributing to the broader community, views their annual distribution event as the pinnacle of their year-long dedication and hard work. This year, they enhanced their donations by including toiletry kits complete with handmade washcloths, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, adding an extra layer of care to their offerings.

Community Collaboration and Involvement:

Karen Kurzman, a member of The Legacy Knit and Crochet Club, shared her feelings about the experience: "Being part of this is deeply emotional. It inspires you to continue giving. Knowing what we do is appreciated gives us a profound sense of contributing to the community."

In addition to Kurzman, the group members consist of Mary Bishop, Zandy Bloom, Christina Chan, Arleen Chodroff, Sundra Culver, Marilee Donaldson, Marci Haas, Vy Hansen, Nancy Hofstetter, Jan Introligator, Irene Jacobs, Stephanie Jones, Nancy Lewis, Ailsa Kull, Marilyn Lemont, Reesa Portnoy, Raelaine Radnitz, Vicki Shepard, Lillie Walker, Jean Weinfeld, and Caren Tate (resident of The Legacy Midtown Park).

Recipients of the donations include Cathedral of Hope, Children's Hospital of Plano, Christ United Methodist Church Plano, Cochran Chapel, Dallas Police Department Mentoring Program, Dallas Police Department supporting Anne Frank Elementary School, Hope’s Door, Jewish Family Service, Mesquite ISD, Plano ISD, Plano Police Department Christmas Cops, Minnie’s Food Pantry, National Council of Jewish Women supporting Mosaic Family Services and West Dallas Elementary Schools, Streetside Showers, and Vickery Meadow Food Pantry and Clothes Closet.

ABOUT THE LEGACY SENIOR COMMUNITIES:

The Legacy Senior Communities Inc. is the parent company of The Legacy Willow Bend (a life care community), The Legacy at Home (Hospice, Personal Assistance Services and Home Health Care Services), and The Legacy Midtown Park (luxury rental senior living in Dallas). The Legacy Senior Communities is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to providing a wide range of services to seniors. Although the services and communities of The Legacy are Jewish-sponsored, they honor and welcome all faiths.

The Legacy Willow Bend is Plano’s first and only life care retirement community, offering residents a maintenance-free lifestyle complete with resort-style services and amenities. The community is situated on a 28-acre site at Spring Creek Parkway between Preston Road and Ohio Drive. In addition to offering an active and independent resident lifestyle, The Legacy Willow Bend has a full variety of health care services onsite including assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing care, and rehab care, each in separate neighborhoods. The Legacy Willow Bend is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit retirement community and the only Jewish-sponsored life care retirement community in Texas. For information call (972) 468-6208 or visit www.thelegacyWB.org.

Credit: The Legacy Senior Communities