Seniors receive gifts for BINGO

WEST LAFAYETTE - The seniors at Heritage Healthcare received a BINGO basket from a department at Purdue University. But this basket comes with a little more than the seniors expected.

BINGO time is a huge time for residents at Heritage Healthcare. Staff with Purdue's Center for Environmental and Regulatory Information Systems made it even better.

"We've created what we call the BINGO basket and we've filled it with lots of goodies," said a spokesperson from CERIS.

That was good news to resident Barbara Norfleet's ears.

"I think that basket looks really good. It will be fun to play BINGO. I want to BINGO first to get a choice in it. Some people like to play for a dime or a quarter. I like to play for the basket," said Norfleet.

Residents Phyllis Grider and Jane Watkins both enjoy BINGO, but they said other Heritage activities brighten their day and night.

"I think Bonnie does a real good job because she finds places to go and people to come in and sing. She took is out to see Christmas lights, Monday. We saw Christmas lights in Frankfort and Rossville," said Grider and Watkins.

Activity Director Bonnie Anderson said she hopes the holiday treat becomes a catch.

"It might be good for other organizations to give to the nursing homes because I know all the nursing homes enjoy BINGO," said Anderson.

"You don't know what love is if you don't volunteer. I believe that you give and you receive. And I do. I receive the love here," said Pharr.

Those who wish to volunteer their time towards various activities at Heritage Healthcare Center should contact Bonnie Anderson. She can be reached at 765-463- 1541. Now the organization plans to continue filling the basket all year long.