HUNTERSVILLE — St. Mark Church’s Alzheimer’s Respite Ministry recently made “Survival Kit” treat bags to give to the Huntersville Police Department. The bags contained items such as Life Savers candies and PayDay candy bars for a fun way to let local law enforcement officers know how much they are appreciated.
A new program at the parish, the Alzheimer’s Respite Ministry offers caregivers a place to leave their loved ones who have early to moderate Alzheimer’s for a few hours in a safe, prayerful and loving environment. Each week, a team of inter-generational volunteers comes together to staff and oversee the ministry. Weekly activities include fellowship, crafts and games, refreshments, physical activity and prayer. An important part is the craft segment, when guests are able to make something for other people.
“Often times, people with Alzheimer’s don’t feel like they have anything to offer anyone else. They are at a point where in their lives where everybody has to do for them,” says Janet Urban, coordinator of the Respite Ministry. “We try to create opportunities where they can give back.”
The Respite Ministry guests and volunteers created 60 “survival kits” that were delivered to the Huntersville Police Department July 11 by coordinators Janet Urban and Susan Liuzzo (pictured). Each kit contained candies and was packaged with a ribbon and tag in the shape of a badge, printed with the message: “Survival Kit for Law Enforcement Officers – Life Savers, to remind you of the many times you have been one / Smarties, to give you wisdom for those split second decisions / Starburst, for the burst of energy you need each day / Hershey Kisses, to show our love and gratitude for you; gum, to remind everyone to stick together / Tootsie Rolls, to help you to roll with the punches / Peppermint Patties, to help you keep your cool / Dum Dums, because you have to deal with a lot of them / PayDay, because you are not doing it for the money / Laffy Taffy, remember that laughter is a great stress reliever.”
Included in the gift was a large handmade card signed by all of the Respite Ministry guests and volunteers to let the police department know how much they love, pray for and appreciate their service.
Volunteers run the Respite Ministry, offered for free each Monday. Registration is required. To register or get details, contact Urban at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or go to www.stmarknc.org.
“It is my dream that this ministry becomes a model for other churches to follow,” says Urban.
CHARLOTTE — Memorial Day is an opportunity to pray for the souls of all the military men and women who have died serving our country, and for their families, said Bishop Peter Jugis.