Former Truck Mechanic to Take a Spin in Big Rig Thanks to PRESENTS FOR PATIENTS®
Gibsonia, Pa. - Nov. 15, 2006 - Arthur Eddy, a resident of The Arbors at St. Barnabas and a former truck mechanic, will have a chance to revisit his beloved vocation for the first time in 26 years thanks to the generosity of a PRESENTS FOR PATIENTS® donor. John Eckhoff of North Huntingdon will bring his big rig to The Arbors, 85 Charity Place, at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22. Eckhoff's visit with Eddy is arranged by PRESENTS FOR PATIENTS®, which each Christmas season matches long-term care residents with a visitor who personally delivers a gift.
Eddy, 91, was a truck mechanic for 40 years until retiring at age 65. Over the decades, he saw many changes in how the trucks operate, including the introduction of the now-obsolete vacuum braking system. Since his retirement, trucks have become further advanced, incorporating automatic transmissions and many comfort features such as microwave ovens and refrigerators. Despite call-outs in the middle of cold nights to repair trucks alongside highways, Eddy misses his years as a mechanic and is looking forward to seeing Eckhoff's rig. Eckhoff will show Eddy the features of his truck and take him for a short ride.
Eckhoff's visit is just one example of the 22,548 gifts and visits that are being arranged this Christmas season by PRESENTS FOR PATIENTS®. Two-hundred seventy-two nursing homes and personal care homes throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, West Virginia and Tennessee have enrolled their patients in the 23rd annual campaign.
PRESENTS FOR PATIENTS® was founded in 1984 by William V. Day, president of St. Barnabas Health System. His mission was to help patients combat the loneliness they often feel during the holidays. Additionally, Day wanted to prompt members of the public to visit their local long-term care facilities so they could witness firsthand the acts of goodwill and compassion that occur every day.
At the beginning of each campaign, patients are asked what they would like for Christmas. Requests that have been matched have ranged from the unusual - a helicopter ride - to the simple - slippers, t-shirts and lotion are among the most commonly requested gifts. Regardless of the request, the most important element of each PRESENTS FOR PATIENTS® "adoption" is connecting a patient with a new visitor, creating a smile.
For information on getting involved with PRESENTS FOR PATIENTS®, call (724) 443-0011 or visit www.PRESENTSFORPATIENTS.com.
Contact:
Kathleen Brenneman
(724) 444-5530
kbrenneman@stbarnabashealthsystem.com
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