Resident Group at Ashby Ponds Retirement Community Collects $5300 for Packages Sent Abroad to Soldiers

ASHBURN, VIRGINIA – In April 2010, a resident group called “The Ladies Who Do Nothing” at the Ashby Ponds retirement community in Ashburn, Va. began collecting donations for members of the military stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. After the first collection, which resulted in bucket upon bucket of donations from toothpaste to soap to books and $1000 in cash, the group assembled 48 care packages to send to soldiers. “After two days, we had to remove the buckets from the community because they were overflowing with donations,” said Phyllis Lynne, one of the resident volunteers at the community. “The community even provided us with a storage bin for the items.”

In the fall of 2010, the group put together ten more boxes with remaining donations. In February of 2011, the “Ladies” set up shop and asked again for monetary donations at the community. After raising $4300 over just two nights, the group knew they could send out dozens of more packages over the course of the year.

Packages were sent to soldiers suggested by residents, as well as soldiers found through AnySoldier.com, a website initiated to help distribute care packages to soldiers abroad. The site lists unit locations and unit demographics along with other information intended to assist senders.

On April 24, 2011, the “Ladies” compiled eleven more packages to send. With some of the money raised, they also purchased “Care Packages of the Month,” through a website specializing in travel-sized items. This purchase will ensure that another 33 boxes are shipped out to soldiers in the next few months. Before the end of the summer, the group will have had a hand in sending over 100 care packages.

While the donated toothpaste, soap, and books are obviously necessary and appreciated, Lynne says it’s the personal notes of gratitude written by residents that seem to really warm the soldiers’ hearts. “We want them to know they are important,” said Lynne. With any leftover funds, the group plans to send holiday packages during November and December.

About Ashby Ponds: Ashby Ponds, one of 16 retirement communities managed by Erickson Living, is situated on a scenic 132-acre campus in Ashburn, Virginia (approximately 30 miles west of Washington, D.C.). The community is home to over 550 residents and is filled with fascinating people and fantastic opportunities. Life at Ashby Ponds offers a true sense of community and is exciting alternative to the typical retirement community. More information about Ashby Ponds can be found at: www.ericksonliving.com.

Ashby Ponds
21170 Ashby Ponds Boulevard
Ashburn, VA 20147
Contact: Jessica McKay
jessica.mckay@erickson.com
703-923-4690
(c) 703-472-0964

This release was published on openPR.