Retirement community makes it an ongoing tradition to help others

Spreading goodwill is customary for one local retirement community in Bethlehem. Throughout the year, residents and employees at Traditions of Hanover take up a collection for various nonprofit organizations in Lehigh and Northampton counties and surrounding areas.

Once a month, residents meet in a small group called "Thankful Thursday" to share gratitude and uplifting thoughts and discuss community service projects. In October, to recognize breast cancer awareness month, the group helped spearhead a community-wide effort to support The CHEMO Bag Inc. Donations included knitted winter hats, lap blankets, notebooks, pens, travel-sized facial tissue packs, and other essentials.

Everyone's efforts helped to create over 15 individual bags, which will be distributed to chemotherapy patients at Lehigh Valley infusion centers.

"Undergoing chemotherapy is scary, and because of COVID-19, many are facing treatment alone. These bags are more than the contents it holds—they're a source of comfort that lets these patients know they are not in this fight alone," noted Executive Director Cathy Heimsoth.

As a cancer survivor, Heimsoth understands first-hand the hardships a cancer diagnosis brings. She has also been a board chair for The CHEMO Bag Inc. since its inception seven years ago. Although there is a personal connection for her, she is grateful to her Traditions family for their continued support of this organization.

Also touched by donation efforts was resident Rita Litvin. Cancer has impacted her life in many ways. The disease has affected several people close to her, including her mother, who lost her battle with breast cancer, and herself, a uterine cancer survivor.

"I feel very fortunate, so if I can do something to make a difference, I will!" exclaimed Litvin. "When I see causes like The CHEMO Bag, I think of those memories with my mother, and I just want to help."

Moving into the holiday season, residents and staff hope to put smiles on children's faces in the Lehigh Valley. A collection is already underway for gifts for boys and girls aged 14-16, which will be provided to Holiday Hope Chests, a national project adopted by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley.

Traditions of Hanover collection drives have helped a local Eagle Scout from Troop 76 with his Clothing Fund Drive, supported area food banks, provided blood donations, and raised funds for multiple sclerosis, the Alzheimer's Association, and the Valor Clinic Foundation.

"There is joy in helping others, and every day our residents and staff choose joy," said Heimsoth.

Traditions of Hanover is a unique, award-winning retirement community offering Independent Living residences on an affordable month-to-month lease with no buy-in fees. Resident services and apartment features include meals, housekeeping, social events, transportation, and full kitchens. For more information, please call Megan Sedlock, marketing director, at 484-893-6034 or visit www.traditionsofhanover.com.