Thoughtful conversation, a warm cup of coffee with friends, and a bit of coloring—make days here a little brighter.
Margarita lights up when she talks about bingo. “It’s so fun,” she says, “win or lose.” She loves spending time with volunteers and the other Residents. She usually plays three days a week and says she manages to win at least once, sometimes twice, each afternoon. When she wins, she likes to choose a little cash (a quarter or a dollar) for one prize and to browse the prize carts for another.
Our Association Jeanne Jugan (AJJ)-hosted Sunday Bingo is a particular favorite. Margarita is grateful to the AJJ associates and all the volunteers who run those sessions. In addition to the regular dollar prizes, the carts arrive loaded with goodies for Residents to choose from – toiletries, candy, boxes of tissue, and other practical items for both men and women. “I always find something I really like,” she says smiling “mostly I pick shampoo and conditioner, but I also got a cozy scarf-hat-and-glove set.”
Outside of bingo, Margarita likes to color, play Pokeno, and savor a good cup of coffee. She is especially thrilled with the new coffee machine in our café and enjoys the range of other activities offered here, though she wishes there were more chances to play Pokeno and to interact with volunteers. Those small conversations brighten her day.
Margarita’s happiness is a lovely reminder of how community, play, and kindness come together to make the Jeanne Jugan Residence Home.
