Residents at Abernethy Laurels Sprinkle Love in Their Community

Lou Grandmaison and Sarah Bostian sprinkle some love.

Abernethy Laurels residents Lou Grandmaison and Sarah Bostian have a strong desire to help others in their community. Lou and Sarah are both active within LINC (Linked in New Creative) Ministries and give freely of their time by volunteering in numerous capacities. When the two ladies heard about a need in their county to help foster children, they immediately jumped into action.

“There are over 300 children in Catawba County currently in foster care,” Lou says. “When children are placed into foster care, many times it’s unplanned, leaving the children without essential items.”

Lou decided that she wanted to organize a supply drive at Abernethy Laurels, a Newton, N.C., retirement community that is part of CHHSM member United Church Homes and Services.

“Our community is filled with others that want to make a difference,” Lou says. “I knew when staff and residents heard about this need, they would open their hearts and wallets.”

Sprinkle Some Love, the name of the supply drive, was an effort to collect school supplies, hygiene products, and therapy/calming items. Within a week, the once-empty barrel was overflowing with supplies.

“I’m so proud of our collection efforts,” Lou adds. “It warms my heart to know that we are making a difference in the lives of local children — we are sprinkling love right here in our own community.”

Abernethy Laurels is just one of the many CHHSM member ministries actively participating in the UCC’s 3 Great Loves campaign.