AARP Georgia to Donate 300 Holiday Meals to Seniors at Lakewood Christian Manor

ATLANTA – AARP Georgia is bringing holiday cheer by donating 300 meals for senior residents at National Church Residences’ Lakewood Christian Manor who might not be able to celebrate with loved ones due to the coronavirus pandemic this year.

The free holiday meals are being catered by “This Is It! BBQ & Seafood,” along with a thoughtful gift. Each boxed meal will include turkey, stuffing, mac and cheese, green beans, sweet potato soufflé, rolls, dessert and a beverage.

“We are extremely thankful for our national and local partnership with AARP Georgia,” said Michelle Norris, executive vice president of external affairs and strategic partnerships. “Unfortunately, hunger doesn’t take a break during the holidays, so we are appreciative of partners who find it important to not only give during the holidays, but also throughout the year.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified holiday gatherings as high-risk activities. Anthony Fauci, one of the nation's top COVID-19 medical experts and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, recommends that family gatherings over the holidays should be limited to fewer than 10 people. Older adults and people with serious underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk for more severe complications from COVID-19, according to the CDC. 

“AARP Georgia is honored to make this donation and bring holiday cheer to the senior residents living at Lakewood Christian Manor,” said Debra Tyler-Horton, AARP Georgia State Director. “We value our partnership with National Church Residences and appreciate the long-standing opportunity to make a difference for those who are away from their friends and family now and throughout the year.”

Due to maintaining social distancing best practices, to-go boxes of complete holiday meals will be delivered door-to-door by National Church Residences’ volunteer chaplains to Lakewood Christian Manor residents during a designated timeframe and just before Christmas. “Our senior residents are excited about receiving free holiday meals,” said Sonya Walker, service coordinator at Lakewood Christian Manor. “When I shared the news with residents I saw them smiling with their eyes through their masks.”

“This is fantastic that National Church Residences and AARP Georgia are always thinking about seniors and giving us tender loving care,” said Mattie Hatten, a resident at Lakewood Christian Manor for eight years. Although she maintains a healthy diet and loves eating fresh fruit and vegetables, Hatten looks forward to the holiday meal. “Roasted turkey is my favorite holiday dish. It’s nice to have someone else cooking for me during the holidays.”

About National Church Residences

National Church Residences serves more than 42,000 seniors through its array of housing and health care services. The not-for-profit organization is driven by a vision of advancing better living for all seniors, enabling them to remain home for life. With 340 communities in 25 states and Puerto Rico, it is the nation’s largest not-for-profit provider of affordable senior housing and the largest manager of service coordinators. The organization also offers residential senior communities, home and community-based services, as well as permanent supportive housing for the formerly homeless and disabled. For more information, visit us at NationalChurchResidences.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.