Book Commercials & Misanthropic Observations

Bingo for seniors

My uncle Terry, (Paul’s mom’s brother) has been running bingo games for seniors at the retirement home where his mother lived (before she died) for, like, decades. I have often thought I would like to do that, and now may have the opportunity.

Faith Community is partnering with Red Cedar Canyon Care, an assisted living facility for seniors- it’s very exciting and there are so many ways to get involved; visiting seniors, bringing laughter and relationship. I asked LaRae, the director, if she would be open to me running bingo games and she was tickled. It’s a brand new facility, only 3 residents and more arrive weekly, so it’s not the right activity just yet, but when they get more people, I’m the gal with the game!

Terry, the old hat at this, has advised me that the trick is having a pile of prizes for the winner to choose one. He hoards hotel soaps, dollar store trinkets, and inexpensive handy stuff for seniors, like those plastic square shaped magnifying glasses for reading.

So I’m asking for donations now- please, let’s start gathering prizes for seniors- not junk, but stuff they would appreciate. The pretty travel size soaps are a hit, Terry claims. Other things like big number phones or large print or audio bibles would be fantastic. I’m also thinking photo frames? Maybe those of you more in the know than I am about the needs of seniors could advise me here. I’ll keep anything and everything in a big box to pull out for those bingo games.

And if anyone wants to get in on the fun of the games themselves, let me know.