Highlands on East Side warms others

The Highlands on the East Side, an assisted living and memory care community located at 101 Highland Ave., Providence, presented more than 750 mittens, hats, scarves, gloves and coats to aid the homeless in Rhode Island at their “Mittens Party” held December 5. The presentation was made to the Loaves & Fishes Mission for distribution to state shelters.

The presentation was made possible though the generous efforts of Highlands’ residents, staff, family members and friends who knitted, purchased and donated the items throughout November. Resident Lorraine Kaplan said, “We started with the idea of knitted mittens and hats and then it became so much more. Everyone here believed in the project and a lot of less fortunate people will stay warm.

When Mission representative, Mary Fitzgerald, was brought to tears mentioning the special need for shoes and socks, residents and staff vowed to mount a January drive to collect the needed footware.

Contributions of new or gently worn adult and childrens’ shoes, boots, sneakers and socks can be made at The Highlands now through January for distribution to homeless shelters and agencies at a special “Shoes & Sox Party” Thursday, February 13, at 2 p.m.

“Everything donated came from the heart. We have some talented and generous souls here. Our families and friends contributed bushels of cold-weather clothing, too. I’m confident our shoes and socks project will be just as successful,” added resident Irma Friedlander.

For every donated pair, each donor will receive a raffle ticket for prizes and an invitation to attend the party catered by The Highlands’ kitchen staff.

For more information, contact Heather Tompkins at 654-5259 or htompkins@hallkeen.com.