Old Time Pottery, Community Donate Blankets, Holiday Decor And More To GA Nursing Home

MARIETTA, GA — About 60 residents of Marietta's Grace Living Personal Care Home have a few more presents under the tree and brighter smiles on their faces, thanks to the generous donations from hundreds of shoppers at Marietta's Old Time Pottery store.

Old Time Pottery, the home decor and outdoor superstore, partnered with senior centers located near its stores around the country for its second annual Big-Hearted Bins campaign, including in Marietta.

From early November through mid-December, shoppers were given the chance to buy discounted items such as bath accessories, cleaning and cooking supplies, food, blankets, bedding, pillows, holiday decorations and other items to be donated to a local senior center, which was Grace Living — as well as Golden Rose Assisted Living, which is owned by Grace Living — in Marietta.

“This holiday season, it is more important to us than ever to provide holiday cheer to the elderly in the care homes,” said Jason Schmitt, chief executive officer of Old Time Pottery. “Our customers are rooted in their communities, and it is out hope that this shines through with Big-Hearted Bins. Most of the people living in homes are unable to shop for themselves, so their communities are eager to bring it home to them.”

In addition, shoppers could fill out donation cards with their names, which were displayed throughout each store. At Marietta's Old Time Pottery store on Canton Road, there were at least 400 cards taped to the wall — a reminder of the community's generosity during this holiday season.

The Big-Hearted Bins campaign first launched in 2020 to bring holiday spirit to nursing homes while many residents' families weren't allowed to come see them in person.

But Old Time Pottery also helped these residents get what they need during the COVID-19 pandemic, at a time when those in our most-vulnerable populations — which included the elderly — were warned not to leave their home unless it was essential.

Esther Woghiren, registered nurse and executive director of care services for Grace Living, told Patch that Old Time Pottery was vital in helping Grace Living last year. The Marietta store donated personal protective equipment like gloves and masks, in addition to the other discounted items sold during the Big-Hearted Bins initiative.

"They saved us last year. They donated masks, gloves, blankets, everything we might need," Woghiren said. "We're really excited about partnering again this year."

According to final numbers from Old Time Pottery, over 2,200 items worth $8,300 were donated to Grace Living this year. John Caudle, manager of Old Time Pottery in Marietta, said he loves this part of his job.

"Knowing that we're bringing a smile to their faces, especially with the pandemic, it's just a great feeling. We want them to know there are still people out there thinking about them," Caudle said.

The over 2,200 items were picked up last week, while distribution started Monday. John Harte, a resident of Golden Rose, had a smile on his face when he got his items.

"Thank you for the donations from Old Time Pottery. I've been a customer for a long time and we really do appreciate it here at the Golden Rose," Harte said.