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Boardman SOV offers baskets of love
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Boardman Shepherd of the Valley resident Lucille Van Allen (left) was happy as she filled Easter Baskets for the March 29 “Operation of Love” program.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Shepherd of the Valley resident Helen Cipkala (left) received some decorating help from Wanda Connor (right) during the “Operation of Love” Easter basket event at the Boardman facility.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Mary Chianese, a resident at Boardman Shepherd of the Valley, modeled one of the finished Easter baskets she decorated as part of the March 29 “Operation of Love” event.
By SARAH FOOR
Every Easter for the last 20 years, the residents of Niles Shepherd of the Valley have decorated Easter baskets to donate to Trumbull County Children’s Services through a project called “Operation Love.”
On March 29, the residents of Boardman Shepherd of the Valley welcomed the event to Mahoning County as they joined in the “love.” Shepherd of the Valley employees set out 54 colorful baskets for a large group of Boardman residents to fill with Easter goodies.
Kim Osborn, activity director at the facility, said Boardman’s first “Operation Love” event was an important part of the celebration of the Easter holiday.
“Shepherd of the Valley is a spiritual organization and Easter is a very dear celebration to our residents. Giving is important during any holiday, but I think that today is special because our residents get to brighten the day of a child through the project,” Osborn said.
The 54 baskets made at the Boardman Shepherd of the Valley are headed to Mahoning County Children’s Services, in their foster and residential care facilities. To appeal to the kids, the Shepherd residents filled baskets with a stuffed Easter bunny, eggs, candy and small toys. Many at the facility hoped the event would be the start of their own 20-year tradition.
“It’s important for our residents to continue to support others in the community. It’s great to be giving back and doing it for local children,” added Osborn.