The special moments during the holiday season were numerous for Cortland Acres residents, thanks to the generosity of local businesses, individuals, and groups.
One holiday donation came from the coal miners at the Arch Resources Leer Mine located in Grafton, W.Va. A couple of days before Christmas, Jonathan Foy, BBS facilitator for Arch Resources, and his son delivered 85 gift bags to Cortland Acres residents.
“The employees are happy we get the opportunity to help people, groups, and organizations in the surrounding area, like the residents at Cortland Acres,” Foy said. “Some of the items we give away come from the company and some from the employees. I’m fortunate to work with employees and for a company that gives back to the communities where we live.”
Another donation received by Cortland Acres was from the Tucker County High School Future Farmers of America (FFA). Delbert “Paul” Pennington, Jr., Vocational Agricultural Teacher at Tucker County High School, stopped by Cortland Acres and dropped off boxes of delicious fresh fruit for the residents.
“We appreciate the kindness and thoughtfulness of the individuals, families, groups, businesses, and organizations who shared this holiday season with us and who donate their time and monetarily all year long,” said Beth Clevenger, administrator of Cortland Acres. “Your donations, time, fellowship, music, and more made Christmas extra special for our residents. We are fortunate to live in a caring and loving community.”
Throughout the year, the Leer Mine miners give back to the communities where they live. In addition to providing gifts to residents at Cortland Acres, they also provide clothing to Heart and Hand and food to the backpack program in Barbour County.
“This program ensures kids have food to eat on weekends,” Foy said. “We also put together meals for those in need over Thanksgiving, no questions asked.”
During Christmas, Foy said he reached out to several area schools on behalf of the employees. He asked each school for a list of students who needed extra attention during the holidays.
“We brought presents for the kids, put up Christmas decorations, hired a Santa, and had plenty of holiday treats,” Foy said. “The students stopped by to see Santa, and the miners took them around the room to pick out Christmas gifts. It was a wonderful day for everybody.”
The Leer Mine established a Giving Fund more than a dozen years ago when Arch Resources took over. Employees contribute to the fund each paycheck.
“At the Leer Mine, we enjoy giving back to the community and helping with their needs,” Foy said.
The Cortland Acres campus includes a 94-bed long-term care facility, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs, rental apartments in Pineview, and garden and patio homes in The Pines. For more information about The Pines or Cortland Acres or to set up an appointment for a tour of the facility, call 304-463-4181 ext. 203, or visit www.cortlandacres.org.