Pair share hugs with teddy bears
Bring comfort, treats to seniors at Grace Woods in Salem
Salem resident Karley Lesko, right, and her mom, Beth Ehms, deliver teddy bears and cards, along with pastry treats from LiB’s Market, to Grace Woods Senior Living for residents to enjoy Monday afternoon, including their special friend Marge Fortner. They included a card for staff and nurses, too, thanking them for all they do. They’re encouraging others to reach out to similar facilities, to let residents know that others care. (Salem News photo by Mary Ann Greier)
Grace Woods Senior Living resident Marge Fortner hugs the new teddy bear she received from her friends, Karley Lesko and Beth Ehms. (Salem News photo by Mary Ann Greier)
Salem resident Karley Lesko, right, and her mom, Beth Ehms, deliver teddy bears and cards, along with pastry treats from LiB’s Market, to Grace Woods Senior Living for residents to enjoy Monday afternoon, including their special friend Marge Fortner. They included a card for staff and nurses, too, thanking them for all they do. They’re encouraging others to reach out to similar facilities, to let residents know that others care. (Salem News photo by Mary Ann Greier)
Grace Woods Senior Living resident Marge Fortner hugs the new teddy bear she received from her friends, Karley Lesko and Beth Ehms. (Salem News photo by Mary Ann Greier)
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SALEM -- Anyone can spread hope, friendship and kindness to the elderly with a card, sweet treats and a teddy bear to hug.
"Something so simple can mean so much," Salem resident Karley Lesko said.
She shared that message of giving on Monday while she and her mom, Beth Ehms, delivered care packages of teddy bears, cards and pastries for each of the 32 residents at Grace Woods Senior Living, along with a thank-you card for the staff.
For Lesko and Ehms, their hope is that others in the area do the same, whether it's gifts of cards or attention to nursing home residents or even just checking on a neighbor or friend.
The visit to the lobby at Grace Woods Senior Living was extra special for them because, even though the facility is off limits, they were able to see their friend, 90-year-old Marge Fortner, from a safe distance away.
She was the reason they started this journey in the first place and had a big smile on her face as she hugged her new teddy bear and thanked them in the brief time they were able to see each other.
Lesko first met Marge at church and they became fast friends. When Marge had to enter assisted living, Lesko adopted her cat and has continued to keep in touch with her.
Lesko and Ehms wanted to do something special for Marge, but they didn't want to leave anyone out, recognizing the fact that not everybody gets visitors, especially now with pandemic restrictions in place.
So they contacted the staff at Grace Woods Senior Living and got the go-ahead for their teddy bear project.
"I wanted everybody here to know they're not forgotten. All of us are feeling isolated and lonely due to COVID-19," Lesko said.
Having a teddy bear gives residents someone to hug in this time of no hugs allowed.
"We just wanted to bring some happiness," Ehms said.
Besides bringing the teddy bears and cards, they also bought some pastries from LiB's Market in Salem in an effort to help out a local business. Ehms lives in Pennsylvania but visits her daughter often and said "Salem's a great town."
They also recognized the caregivers and staff members of Grace Woods Senior Living with a large, handmade card, stressing that they haven't been forgotten, either.
"We wanted to thank you for your efforts in taking care of the elderly. Each person is a son or daughter, mother or father to someone. To us, our special friend lives here. What you do day in and day out is so important and appreciated. Please know we will be praying for all of you. Thank you again for your care and kindness!," Lesko and Ehms wrote on the card for staff and nurses.
Melissa Morris, residential care coordinator for Grace Woods Senior Living, said she really appreciated what they did for the residents.
This gives them "a bit of hope in this crazy time we're in," she said. "I think it's wonderful. I truly do. This is so appreciated."
mgreier@salemnews.net