Donations Welcomed at Needham/Wellesley Senior Living Community through December 7, 2012

North Hill senior living community, located on the Needham/Wellesley town line, has launched its 16^th annual Holiday Drive for the Needham Community Council. A box has been set up at North Hill to collect donations of toys, money and items for disadvantaged children and elderly through December 7.

Gifts can be deposited in a box in North Hill’s main lobby any day of the week between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The address is 865 Central Avenue, Needham, MA. Directions can be found at http://www.NorthHill.org/Directions. 

“We like to put smiles on everyone’s face even if it is only for one day,” said Patricia Paulin, North Hill Director of Finance. She feels the Holiday Drive is a natural extension of North Hill’s commitment to honor and nurture wellbeing. “At North Hill, we try every day to touch the lives of as many people as possible. During this holiday season we step up our efforts to let our young neighbors and the young at heart know that they are cared about.”

As it has for the last 15 years, Paulin’s office will be transformed into “Santa’s Workshop” for several weeks. Here, donations from residents and team members and those who visit the continuing care retirement community will be processed and readied for delivery to the Needham Community Council. The North Hill bus – a familiar sight on Needham and Wellesley streets – substitutes for Santa’s sleigh.

In the first year of the Drive, North Hill raised about $300 for the Community Council. That figure has grown with the generosity of residents and employees and now the donations total about $5000 each year. The idea of a monetary goal was inspired by Paulin’s mother. “My parents were always there to lend a hand to anyone in need,” she said, “so I dedicate each drive to their memory.”

Paulin takes cash contributions and, together with several team member “elves,” hits the toy stores. She also will visit local pharmacies for gift cards appreciated by the elderly.

The Needham Community Council (http://www.NeedhamCommunityCouncil.org) supports more than 200 area families who have under-met needs and promotes a sense of shared responsibility. Parents get to “shop” the Council shelves and choose what they need / want for their children.

For more information about the North Hill Holiday Drive, call 781-444-9910. Or simply visit North Hill any day of the week to learn more or to make a donation.

ABOUT NORTH HILL:. Founded in 1984, a combination of location, the innovative Life Care financial model and exceptional quality in healthcare and hospitality service have made North Hill one of the most sought-after senior living communities in Massachusetts. The North Hill vision is to be the leading provider of the most progressive, personalized healthcare and hospitality services to older adults in the Northeast. To learn more, visit www.NorthHill.org.