PICTURED FROM THE left: Lucy of Wakefield poses with the gift she received from Agero Inc. and her Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) Case Manager Jiejing Huang. Agero and Tufts University’s Advancement Division participate in a ‘Giving Tree’ program with MVES every holiday season.
MALDEN — Two businesses partnered with Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) to make the holidays brighter for over a hundred local residents of Wakefield, Melrose, North Reading and eight other communities served by MVES.
Agero Inc. and the Advancement Division of Tufts University have been participating every year in a Giving Tree program with MVES. Members of the Agero and Tufts staff each “adopt and shop” for older adults and people with disabilities.
Every year, MVES case managers nominate residents who would benefit from a certain item or simply from receiving something special around the holidays. Since MVES case managers work closely with these residents, they help them create a “wish list.” It might be something practical like a toaster oven or a new duvet. It could also be their heart’s desire like Victor who requested art supplies this year. His Agero staff member bought him an extensive collection of supplies to give Victor’s creativity free rein.
MVES staff work separately with both Agero and Tufts Advancement to convey the wish lists and make suggestions if a resident doesn’t ask for anything specific. MVES staff noted that these community partners always go above and beyond, selecting multiple items from the wish lists or including a little add-on to make the gift extra special. They even make a point of beautifully wrapping each item to add to the festivity.
Next, MVES team members play Santa, delivering gifts to residents throughout the 11 Greater Boston communities in the agency’s service area. The recipients are always excited to receive gifts selected just for them.
MVES staff always report how excited the recipients are the gifts from Agero and Tufts Advancement make their holidays brighter and put a smile on their face. The leadership and Board of MVES would like to thank both Agero and Tufts Advancement for their generosity and commitment to the community each holiday season.
Mystic Valley Elder Services has provided home and community based care and resources to older adults and people with disabilities since 1975. A non-profit, MVES serves 11 communities in Greater Boston. For more about MVES services and programs or to learn how you can support your community through MVES, please contact 781-324-7705 or visit mves.org.
