Holiday Cheer for the Caregiver

January 2, 2019 sonadmin City News 0

Article and Photos by Phyllis Jones, SON Sr. Staff Writer

Caregiver Committee (L-R):Melinda Sanders, Yvette Edmonds, Lenita Davis, Phyllis Looney-Jones (Caregiver Committee Chairman), LaShawn Gardner (Women’s Health & Wellness Committee Chairman), Robin Miller (Chapter President), Valerie Simmons-Britton, Angela Taylor Boyd, Katrina Hale, Tameika Royal and Felecia West.
(L-R) Lena Everett cares for her 94 year old mother (Ethel Giles) and often provides meals for an elderly neighbor. Food basket presentation made by Phyllis Looney-Jones (Committee Chairman).
(L-R) Chapter member Regina Ivey accepts food basket on behalf of her sister (Jacqueline Cofield), who cares for their aunt in Opelika, AL. Food basket presentation made by Robin Miller (Chapter President).

For those who serve or may have served as a caregiver for a parent or loved one understand the day-to-day challenges that are faced. There are doctor appointments, the administration of meds, hygiene care, grocery shopping and addressing other issues such as finances, which may arise with or without warning.

Women’s Health and Wellness is one of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated’s National Targets. Statistics have shown that 66% of caregivers are women. These caregivers often neglect their own well-being while caring for others and normally do not have enough hours in the day to get everything done.

Members of Rho Chi Omega Chapter wanted to provide “care” for the caregiver this holiday season. LaShawn Gardner serves as the Chairman for the chapter’s Women’s Health and Wellness Committee. The Caregiver Committee falls under this target and is chaired by Phyllis Looney-Jones. Jones and Robin Miller (Chapter President) recently delivered food baskets to two individuals who serve as caregivers. The baskets consisted of food and beverage items that can be prepared for breakfast and dinner. In addition, each recipient received a $35 Walmart gift card.

For National Caregiver Awareness Day (November 16th), recognition was given to the employees of the Clearview Cancer Institute (CCI). The Caregiver Committee wanted to not just recognize those who care for family members, but decided to recognize those who provide daily care for cancer patients. Services provided by CCI include chemo treatments, lab work, imaging and radiology. Jones and another member of the chapter are recipients of these services. Approximately 60 snack bags (water, chips, snack crackers, fruit snacks) were given to the department employees, doctors and custodians. A handmade “Thanks for Caring” gift tag was attached to the handle of each bag. The employees were overwhelmed with gratitude. Several of them expressed that this was the FIRST time that anyone had done something like this for them.