Help The Birches Send Love and Gratitude to U.S. military members

With February fast approaching, The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills is preparing to send Valentine's Day care packages to deployed members of the U.S. military through its 2nd annual "Hearts and Heroes" campaign.

Last year, 31 care packages were sent to U.S. military members. This year, The Birches hopes to increase that number to 50 care packages with the help of community members.

If you'd like to help The Birches send love and gratitude to deployed U.S. military members for Valentine's Day consider participating in the "Hearts and Heroes" campaign in one of the following ways:

• Provide the address of a deployed military member who would appreciate a care package. The Birches is eager to send care packages to as many soldiers as possible, but needs your help identifying their names and addresses. If you know a deployed member of the military who would appreciate a care package, please email the individual's name and APO/FPO address to Jackie Raschke at jraschke@birches.net.

• Donate valentines or letters to military members for the care packages.

• Volunteer your time to help Birches residents decorate care packages or make valentines. Volunteers are always appreciated. Contact Jackie Raschke at 630-570-6175 or jraschke@birches.net for a list of available dates.

• Donate money or any of the following supplies: lip balm, cushioned insoles, baby powder, non-aerosol travel size toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion), toothbrushes, decks of cards, used or new CDs and DVDs, board games (small enough to fit in the shoe box), puzzles, reading and writing materials, non-perishable food that will sustain high temperatures, chewing gum, or socks.

The Birches' "Hearts and Heroes" campaign is part of the Birches Gives Back program, a new initiative dedicated to making a difference in the community through acts of service. The Birches' Director of Encore and Memory Care Jackie Raschke started the Birches Gives Back program as a way for Birches residents to contribute something meaningful to the greater community.

"Doing good deeds for others and knowing we are putting a smile on peoples' faces is very rewarding," said Raschke. "It's a win-win; it makes the residents happy and it brightens the day of someone in need."

Donations and supplies can be dropped off in the front lobby of The Birches Assisted Living at 215 55th St. Clarendon Hills until January 16. If you have questions about The Birches' "Hearts and Heroes" campaign, please contact Jackie Raschke at jraschke@birches.net or 630-570-6175.

The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills is a premier retirement community dedicated to providing professional services that support its residents' physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual growth. The Birches offers a full calendar of purposeful programs and activities designed to promote a healthy aging lifestyle and a strong sense of community. For more information about The Birches, call 630-789-1135 or visit: birches.net.