Guardian Angels Senior Services Blog

Join us for Guardian Angels Red Carpet Event-tickets still available!

Saturday, March 11, 2017
Courtyards of Andover
13545 Martin Street NW, Andover, MN

For more information contact
Deb Weston-dweston@ga-er.org or 763-635-4485

Anna Kunkel with Pullman Place member Eloise Miller

In the fall of 2015, members of Pullman Place Cooperative accepted their marketing committee’s suggestion to host a garage sale and call it “The Great Giveaway.” They felt it was a good way to sort through their kitchens, closets, and storage areas to eliminate items they no longer needed, and to get people from the community to visit their beautiful building. Donations were suggested with proceeds going towards a scholarship for a graduating Elk River High School senior who pursues her/his education in the field of healthcare management. The event was a huge success and they were pleased to award a $500.00 scholarship to 2016 Elk River High School graduate Anna Kunkel. Anna plans to pursue a degree in nursing at Mankato State University. Pullman Place Cooperative members plan to host another “Great Giveaway” in the spring of 2017 to offer more scholarships.

For more information on Pullman Place Cooperative call 763-633-0999 or visit www.pullmanplace.org

When staff and residents see Andrea and  a 8 year old golden doodle, coming down the hall, they greet the dog  first.  Everyone loves Tuesday afternoons because Andrea visits  residents, staff members and visitors with her trained Therapy Dog, Summit.  Summit now knows his routine and often plays catch with his favorite ball.  They both hear wonderful stories about dogs the residents have owned. Andrea and her husband, Ray,  moved to Elk River in 2015 from Kansas.  While in KS she became interested in and curious about pet therapy.  It wasn’t long before she and Summit were in class. They volunteered with Victory in the Valley, an organization that supports cancer patients.  Summit brought cheer to them as they received chemotherapy, waited in waiting rooms, or visited them in hospitals.  He especially enjoyed curling up in a bean bag chair with a child. After getting settled into their new home, Andrea found herself with a little extra time on her hands and contacted Guardian Angels about volunteering-that was over a year ago! GACC has benefited from her desire to become part of the community! It is a mutual relationship between Summit and the residents (and staff) -he loves the residents and the residents love him! Andrea also volunteers in the Gifts and Treats shop one time per week.   Volunteers really do make a difference!  Smiles on our face and paw prints in our hearts.  Guardian Angels Volunteers make each day brighter!