THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, January 17, 2020 Page 5 Agero employees grant MVES clients’ holiday wishes O lder adult clients of Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) recently received an unexpected but cheerful visit from their care managers, who delivered nearly 160 gift bags full of clothing, linens, games, books and other items they had on their “wish list,” all donated by employees of Agero, which is based in Medford. Agero has been contributing to the Giving Tree program since 2013 with more than 900 personal gifts shopped for and provided by employees to older adults in beautifully wrapped packHelene of Medford shows off her new rosary beads she received as a gift from Agero. She was so excited to get them, she had her priest bless them the very next day, which was Christmas Eve. She was almost brought to tears when she unwrapped her package. (Photos Courtesy of Mystic Valley Elder Services) Roy of Malden received a gift card from Family Dollar for $25.00 – he replied, “I’m so happy because I know I can get 25 items! I am grateful and really appreciate it because it is the only gift I got.” ages with items ranging in price from $20 to $200. The program operates by Agero staff letting MVES know how many gifts they will pledge to shop for each year. Case managers then nominate an older adult served by MVES who they feel is in need of items for personal use and enjoyment. Since the case managers know the older adults they serve so well, they create a “wish list” of items they know they would like and use. Each wish list is unique to that individual. Employees of Agero then “adopt” and shop for Elizabeth of Chelsea enjoys her new bathrobe that was a gift from Agero. She put it on as soon as she opened it stating how “warm and cozy” it is. these older adults, collecting items on the list and ultimately fulfilling their wishes. “I am currently working with a consumer in a nursing facility helping her plan for a return to her home,” said MVES Care Manager Andrea Rosebach. “Typically, when I meet her, she is often teary, overwhelmed and very sad about her current situation and the twists and turns her life has taken. When I brought her the wonderful gift of new sweatpants and a matching sweatshirt from Agero staff, she was so surprised and grateful to receive it. Her eyes brightened as she unwrapped the present, and she said thank you many times! I was sure to let her know that the gift is from Agero staff, which is a company that cares a lot about Mystic Valley Elder Services’ consumers.” “We were so moved to see the multiple items so thoughtfully chosen to brighten the days of older adults in need,” said MVES Director of Development Jenny Vanasse. “One of our consumers asked to send a personal thank you to the Agero employee who purchased her gift (three gifts, actually). She loved her new soft robe, and wanted to compliment the employee’s taste in picking it out.” Agero is not just giving to MVES during the holidays; the organization has sponsored the annual MVES spring theater event fundraiser for more than a decade. This past spring, Agero was an Emerald level sponsor at $10,000. Since 2010, Agero has also donated more than 230 bags of nonperishable food and grocery gift cards. SNOW BLOWER SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS Pickup/Delivery Available 781-289-6466 We’re Keeping You Moving in Stoneham and now Malden 405 Pearl St., Malden, MA 02148 It’s time to get back to the things you love. At Agility Orthopedics our commitment to keep you moving is more than just three words, it’s a promise to help you experience life in the ways that matter most to you. Appointments for the following services are now available at our Malden location: • Joint Replacement • Sports Medicine • Hand Surgery • Shoulder Surgery • Pain Management • Regenerative Medicine: PRP/Stem Cell Schedule an appointment at our Malden location (781) 279-7040 • agilitydoctor.com
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