Residents of Edgewater at Boca Pointe packed more than 1,500 pounds of green plantains and donated several hundred dollars to Boca Helping Hands in August. It’s part of a monthly commitment, spearheaded by resident volunteers, to helping those less fortunate.
“What Boca Helping Hands does is like a miracle from heaven. There are so many needy people living in Boca Raton,” said Buddy Harris, a volunteer, and Edgewater at Boca Pointe resident.
“It’s not unusual for a child to only have a Hershey’s candy bar for dinner. Boca Helping Hands fills that gap,” he added.
Edgewater’s beloved Colonel Buddy Harris, an active 96-year-old World War II veteran, has volunteered with the organization for eight years.
“It’s a wonderful organization with very little staff and hundreds of volunteers who do an incredible job,” Harris said. “I am thrilled and delighted with how Edgewater residents have taken this on. Every one of our volunteers just loved what they were doing and did it vigorously.”
The Edgewater volunteers also collected more than 339 pounds of nonperishable food and will be making monthly service visits to the Boca Raton food pantry.
“It was a wonderful experience for our residents,” said Ellen Lewkowicz, the Life Engagement Coordinator at Edgewater at Boca Pointe.
“Col. Harris was a rock star when he arrived and was welcomed with open arms by all the staff,” she said. “It was a very special day for all those who volunteered and served.”
Lewkowicz works at the Acts Retirement-Life Community and coordinates entertainment and meaningful engagement to support all aspects of its residents’ wellbeing - in mind, body, and spirit.
“You get what you give, and we love to give,” Harris said about living at Edgewater and the unlimited opportunities available to volunteer and help the greater community. “I’m very pleased about my life and grateful for all that’s been done for me and others.”
