Winter Springs Seniors Support The Kids of HOPE

The Watermark at Vistawilla, a senior living community in Winter Springs, recently partnered with The Kids of HOPE, a local organization dedicated to combating childhood hunger during school breaks. Residents decorated and donated 50 lunch bags that will be filled with nutritious food and given to local school-aged children over spring break.

The Kids of HOPE provides meals to children who rely on the Federal Free/Reduced School Lunch Program during the school year. Children receive a lunch bag every Monday through Friday over the break to ensure they don't go hungry.

The volunteer project gave assisted living and memory care residents an opportunity to give back to the local community and learn more about The Kids of HOPE. Resident Rae Ellen was grateful to be included in the volunteer project and shared that she “loves to help” and mission of the organization is “so sweet.”

Her sentiment echoed throughout the community as residents poured their creativity and care into each bag.

“These projects give our residents a sense of purpose and helps them to forget about their own troubles,” said Kimberly Dike, Community Life Director at The Watermark at Vistawilla. "Our residents are so joyfully engaged in the moment when they know their contribution will make a positive impact. Though we won’t meet the children who these bags will benefit, it brings residents so much happiness to think about them while decorating.”

This is the second year the community has partnered with The Kids of HOPE. They also decorate lunch bags that are distributed during the summer. The decorated lunch bags offer children a tangible reminder of the community's care and support. The simple act of decorating a lunch bag becomes a powerful expression of empathy and a beacon of hope for children in need.

The Kids of HOPE plays a crucial role in bridging the nutritional gap for children during school breaks, alleviating the stress on families facing financial hardship. By partnering with organizations like The Watermark at Vistawilla, they can extend their reach and ensure that no child goes hungry.

About The Watermark at Vistawilla
Located in Winter Springs, Fla., The Watermark at Vistawilla is an 87-apartment assisted living and memory care community located at 1519 E State Rd 434. Differentiators of the new community include certified associates, continuous care and hands-on educational programming. Owned and managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, The Watermark at Vistawilla is committed to creating an extraordinary community where people thrive. For more information, visit vistawilla.watermarkcommunities.com.

About Watermark Retirement Communities®
Watermark creates extraordinary and innovative communities where people thrive. We believe aging is about renewal rather than retirement. Watermark communities are known for highly trained and caring associates, a lifestyle built on choice, fine amenities, integrative wellness and innovative programs including the award-winning Watermark University featuring a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. Watermark has been named in the top 25 Best Workplaces for Aging Services™ in a national program conducted by the Great Place to Work® Institute and published on Fortune.com. Based in Tucson AZ, Watermark is a privately held company with a reputation for more than 30 years for service, innovation, integrity and financial stability, and manages senior living communities across the United States. Visit watermarkcommunities.com to learn more.