COA YAHYAS Red Hat Ladies Outreach

(Council on Aging Young at Heart Youthful Always Seniors)

Tuesday March 18, 2008, 6 Yahyas members hosted a Bingo Social at Luling Living Center in Luling. The social was the combined efforts of the Westbank COA YAHYAS Red Hatters and Ms Betty Jackson and Vickie Hebert Activity Coordinators at Luling Living Center. 35 residents participated and enjoyed this event. 21 prizes were presented/distributed during the social.

The Yahyas hold and on going personal care items drive, and from this collection make gift packages for the Living Center Residents. The packages contain various needed personal care items such as: combs, shampoo, lotion, soap, powder, toothpaste etc. Snacks or also incorporated in with these gift bundles and are used as bingo prizes for the social. “This is a wonderful idea”, says Activity Director Betty Jackson, “and so well received and appreciated by the residents.” Members also make, supply and serve refreshments for the Bingo Social. Wholesome YAHYAS banana, cranberry and pumpkin breads or distributed and enjoyed by all.

The Yahyas (Young at Heart Useful Always Seniors) do several outreach projects monthly. Such projects are; Homebound Hostesses riding, member’s ride homebound lunch route giving parish shut-ins a new cheerful face to brighten their day, are Guest Reader for storytime at the public library reading to preschoolers, Volunteers with Food for Seniors in distribution of commodities, Hostesses holding regular socials for ARC of St. Charles, Norco Adult Daycare, Evangeline of Ormond and Luling Living Centers. The group holds a continual food drive collection with deposits to Social Concerns Food Pantry to help local needy families. Members also volunteer in many different aspects with the COA and around the parish.

So the next time you see a Red Hat, remember these ladies are always on the go representing, embracing and celebrating aging gracefully through giving.

St. Charles Council on Aging Inc. sponsors a Chapter of the National Red Hat Society COA YAHYAS (Young at Heart Youthful Always Seniors) this group is open to all seniors of St. Charles Parish 60 years and older. The group meets twice a month on both the east and westbanks of the parish (one planning and one activity meeting monthly on each side of the river). A quarterly a full chapter social is hosted for all on a decided theme. Come join in the fun. Information is available at all 4 COA Activity Centers or call Stephanie 783-6683 for details.