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As we near the close of the formal work week and get ready for the Easter Holiday, I wanted to reach out to you and tell you how much I appreciate your support in helping those we serve during this difficult time. While it hasn't been easy, we're blessed to have people like you willing to help and be (virtually) there for the individuals, families, and communities we serve. 

While I am as concerned as everyone else about when this will end and what the long-term cost of this pandemic will be, I also remain infinitely hopeful because I have a front row seat to all the goodness that exists in the world because of you. Because of you and your support, I wanted to share some of the positive stories that are happening at VOA Illinois and spread some hope:  

• Country House Restaurant and Kitchen is donating free hot breakfasts and dinners to our Hope Manor Joliet residents
• Staff at our senior communities created an outdoor/window BINGO game for residents to participate in and be able to get some fresh air 
• Individuals, families, and companies are providing donations of perishable and nonperishable food for the Veterans, children, families, and communities that we serve
• Bernie's Book Bank donated family packs of books to each family at Hope Manor II to provide reading resources to the children