Friendship Village Resident Recognized for Volunteer Work

Friendship Village resident Kris Howard Jensen was recognized by Mayor Al Larsen at the annual Volunteer of the Year Awards Luncheon sponsored by the Village of Schaumburg. Kris was responsible for bringing the "New Life for Old Bags" program to the community and, as Jeannette Magdaleno, Friendship VIllage volunteer coordinator said, "is the driving force in making the volunteer program a success." The program is resulting in a way for homeless people to have a more dignified and comfortable night's sleep, while also protecting the environment by keeping thousands of plastic bags out of our landfills and oceans. Art Norman, NBC 5, visited Friendship Village to feature the program in a Making a Difference segment.

Kris first heard of making sleeping mats for the homeless out of plastic shopping bags at her church and thought it would be a perfect fit as a volunteer project for Friendship Village residents. Approximately 30 residents have been trained in the process of creating the mats. The manufacturing process includes cutting the plastic bags into strips called "plarn" (plastic yarn), which is then crocheted into mats. Approximately 500 -700 bags are used per mat. The resulting item provides a barrier between the ground and a blanket or sleeping bag. The mats are highly prized by homeless people who find they make sleeping more comfortable and dignified.

The residents of Friendship Village have given 21 mats to New Life for Old Bags (NLOB) who donate them Catholic Charities for distribution.

Friendship Village is a leading Chicago-area retirement community offering a complete continuum of care including independent living garden homes and apartment homes, as well as assisted living, memory support, skilled care, and short- and long-term rehabilitation services. For more than 38 years, Friendship Village has been providing Chicago area seniors with exceptional retirement living options. For additional information visit www.FriendshipVillage.org