A Word of Thanks from Windsor

Dear Pastor Eric and Pastor Jacob,

It is hard for me to adequately express my gratitude for the amazing way the ladies of College Church answered the urgent call for washable, reusable PPE gowns to help protect the staff in Johnson Healthcare Center (JHCC), and in turn, our residents.

When the email went out asking for help, we couldn’t begin to imagine how many people would respond. Christy Chiodras and Diane Jordan got the ball rolling by putting out the call for seamstresses. And then Carol Taylor stepped in and really became the coordinator of 18 volunteers from your congregation who said they would sew. When we ran into “supply chain problems” obtaining enough fabric and elastic, Carol went to Becky at STARS and Beth at Twice is Nice and arranged to gather up donated sheets. Carol began cutting from the patterns we provided, and then she improved the written instructions we had been given. She had ladies picking up bags of fabric, elastic, ribbon for ties, and instructions from her front porch “contact free.” When finished gowns were dropped back off, she delivered them to Windsor Park. What an incredible team captain! And what hard working team members!

We had about 18 residents back here at Windsor cutting and sewing, as well as another handful from other churches and community groups. In the end we’ve received about 240 home-sewn PPE gowns. But you can always spot a College Church sewn gown, because rather than being plain white, they have colorful patterns and fancy trim thanks to the sheets commandeered by Carol! And trust me – the staff would rather wear the fun gowns than the ones that make them look like they’re the patients! I’ve attached a few photos for you to get a glimpse of their handiwork.

To me and my colleagues here at Windsor, this whole project was a powerful “God sighting.” God is good, even in hardship. Truly these ladies have been the hands and feet of Jesus.

While things here begin to slowly open a bit for those in Independent Living, we remain in full COVID-prevention protocols in JHCC. These gowns won’t be tossed out when the perceived danger is behind us. They will be in use and on hand for the long haul as we work to ensure our patients’ safety.

I wanted to reach out and express our thankfulness for how College Church has supported Windsor Park during this long journey. The people of Windsor Park are so very grateful – for the gowns for our staff, but especially for your prayers on behalf of our residents and staff.

We look forward to the time when our residents can again join their church family in person to worship together, and when we can throw open our doors to visits from pastors and friends. May that day come soon. Until then, please know how grateful we are for your partnership in ministering to the spiritual and medical health of our residents.

Sincerely,

Bunny MirrileesChurch & Community Relations Coordinator

Covenant Village (Windsor Park)