On Monday, Nov. 19, Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DCBDD) launched into a day filled with giving thanks.

The day began with a Thanksgiving luncheon for the entire staff of DCBDD. The meal was prepared by members of the administrative team.

“I always approach Thanksgiving with an attitude of gratitude,” said DCBDD Superintendent Kristine Hodge. “Our staff does so much to support people in our community. This is just our small way of saying thank you for their hard work and commitment to providing excellent services.”

After staff finished their Thanksgiving lunch, they dispersed into the community for an afternoon of giving back. A total of nine different community partners were touched by DCBDD’s outreach.

A group of staff assisted United Way (UW) with cleaning and decorating the UW Teen Room, as well as assembling diaper bags and cleaning the UW Kids Room. Several teams from DCBDD stopped by a few of Delaware City’s elementary schools to practice reading with children one on one. Another group of staff members helped prepare for the distribution of turkeys and meal kits for the Hunger Games Drive by sorting the donated food into complete meal kits. Other teams from DCBDD spent time visiting with residents at Willow Brook, stocking shelves at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, organizing items at

Lutheran Social Services food pantry, and sorting toys at People In Need for the Holiday Clearing House.

A final group of staff members made fleece blankets to be donated to Turning Point and Delaware County Jobs and Family Services for new babies born in need.

“I was able to spend the afternoon at the Willow Brook Day Program volunteering with a group of residents,” said DCBDD employee Lisa Fowler. “I feel blessed to work for an agency that cares for the well-being of the staff and offers opportunities like these to share our time in the community in places where we are appreciated. Gratitude feeds the soul.”

Hodge added, “These outreach opportunities were a great way for us to share our gratitude during this season of Thanksgiving.”

On Nov. 19, the team at Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities celebrated Thanksgiving together with a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all of the fixings. Following the meal, staff dispersed into the community to give back at nine different community partner locations. Pictured are members of the DCBDD team who helped out at the United Way Teen Room.

https://www.delgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2018/11/web1_05.jpgOn Nov. 19, the team at Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities celebrated Thanksgiving together with a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all of the fixings. Following the meal, staff dispersed into the community to give back at nine different community partner locations. Pictured are members of the DCBDD team who helped out at the United Way Teen Room. Courtesy photo | DCBDD