Move to Nursing Home No Deterrent to Enfield Woman's Generosity

WINDSOR LOCKS, CT — A recent move to a nursing home has not deterred Mary Ivanisin from her three-plus decade tradition of helping provide toys to needy children in the Enfield area.

Shortly after her husband, John, passed away in 1988, Ivanisin, 90, longtime Blue House secretary at John F. Kennedy Middle School, started collecting toys to support the Enfield Police Department's Toys For Joy drive, which has assisted needy families in town and the surrounding area since the late 1950s.

"I went to the police department and signed up to donate, and it was such a good feeling," said Ivanisin, adding her neighbors started contributing to her efforts right away.

On the first Saturday of December, Ivanisin and friends would gather for a potluck dinner, where every attendee brought a dish.

"We said we don't need gifts, why don't we each bring a toy," she said.

For 30 years, Ivanisin and company would make their annual donations, though the group got smaller each year due to passings and the frailty of age.

In August, diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, Ivanisin moved into the Bickford Health Care Center on Main Street in Windsor Locks. Her illness, however, did not stop her desire to assist children.

Growing up as one of 12 children, Ivanisin said, "Our father would re-paint trains or bikes, and we were thrilled to get that. Many of these kids (today) don't have fathers to help out. Christmas is all about children; we've got to watch out for our kids."

In view of Ivanisin's new residence, the staff and administration at Bickford agreed to host her annual toy drive party this year.

"This has been so important to Mary for 31 years now, it made sense to help her continue the tradition," said Bickford administrator Lisa Rivard.

Following the Dec. 1 gathering, Bickford staff and resident family members extended the drive for two weeks, collecting dozens of toys.

"Our residents, their family members and staff really stepped up to help as many people as possible," Rivard said. "Mary has been talking about it for the past month, and the other residents shared in the joy and pride."

Ann Marie Palmer, Ivanisin's daughter, noted, "Here at Bickford, they are family."

Enfield police officers Paul Dubiel and Jeff Peterson came to the nursing home Friday afternoon to pick up the donated toys.

"It goes to show people still have a heart and think of children as God's little angels," Ivanisin said.

Photo credits: Tim Jensen, Ann Marie Palmer

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