JGS Lifecare to Hold Honorable Menschen Day on Christmas

LONGMEADOW — On Christmas Day, Friday, Dec. 25, more than 30 volunteers from the community will continue the annual tradition of Honorable Menschen Day, assisting residents and employees of JGS Lifecare’s Leavitt Family Jewish Home and Ruth’s House Assisted Living Residence.

“Honorable Menschen Day brings together those willing to provide aid in non-clinical and personal-care roles to residents during the day, and support the staff on the holiday,” said Kim Grandfield, development coordinator. “In addition, volunteers will be on hand to greet families and support programs to help make the day special. Mensch is a Yiddish word that describes a person who does good deeds. That’s why we call it Honorable Menschen Day, in tribute to our caring and dedicated volunteers.”

Volunteers will assist with serving cookies and snacks, musical entertainment, and folding laundry in housekeeping. Others will volunteer in the gift and coffee shops, visit with residents, and lead activities including bingo, trivia, and other games; dog visits; and resident manicures. Gifts for each resident, donated by Longmeadow residents Dr. and Mrs. Mark Levy, will be used as prizes for a special bingo game and will also be distributed by volunteers in the afternoon to spread cheer throughout the Leavitt Family Jewish Home.

The volunteers of all faiths include community members, board members, staff, families, and youth groups.