Butts & Clucks Donates & Little Free Library is gearing up

A Little Free Library on Wheels will soon make the rounds as the newest project of Elder Care Community Council (ECCC) offered by volunteer, Helene Antel.  Ms. Antel says that she got the idea after delivering Thanksgiving meals to the homebound seniors on ECCC’s list.  As she and her husband, Steve McCann, made the deliveries, it became clear people craved engagement.  Ms. Antel observed, “their bodies were hungry but so were their minds.”  Thus, an idea was hatched.  Beginning in February, magazines and books will be added to the New Year’s Baskets ECCC that volunteers will distribute to seniors including the homebound. Thereafter, COVID permitting, the Little Free Library on Wheels will begin following ECCC’s meal delivery route, making its own rounds, bringing stories, ideas and inspiration to those unable to visit the library. The project is endorsed by ECCC and supported by book and magazine donations from friends of the Little Free Library, the Franklin County Public Library and the Margaret Key Municipal Library in Apalachicola.
The benefits of volunteering can be enormous.  If you are looking for a cause to get involved in, ECCC needs you.  All it takes is one hour a week, over the lunch hour, to join us to deliver meals to homebound older adults.  ECCC’s mission is to bridge the gaps in services for those over age 55 in Franklin County.  2021 starts off with continuing to prepare meals and assure that no senior is going hungry.  Please join in and help us by volunteering and giving to others.  Many studies have proven that volunteering reduces stress, keeps you mentally stimulated and provides a sense of purpose.  Volunteering for ECCC connects you to other people and it is a great way to give back.  Making a difference in someone’s life while they are home bound can make a huge positive impact to that person and to you.  Help ECCC build community and build bonds by calling 850-370-0116 or emailing us at ecccfranklin@gmail.com to find out more about how you can help.
Donna Duncan, Vice President of ECCC, was presented with a check for just over $1,500 at the 4th Annual Butts & Clucks Cook-Off on the Bay this past Saturday.  Special thanks to John Solomon, Apalachicola Chamber of Commerce, Team Uncle Bucks BBQ, Backyard Bro’s Buck Freeman and Tim Maloy and everyone that purchased a blue bucket to support ECCC.”  
Keep reading this column for information from REACH – Resources & Education for Aging, Community and Health which aims to educate people about aging-related healthcare and social topics.  More information can be found at reach.med.fsu.edu, the Department of Geriatrics’ at the Florida State University College of Medicine.
Volunteers are putting the finishing touches on the New Year’s baskets that will be distributed next week.  We appreciate the many donors and volunteers that have contributed to making this happen for the third year in a row.  It’s not too late to make a donation to help with the baskets,  contributing by credit card on our donate button at www.ecccfranklin.org or mailing us a check at ECCC, PO Box 35, Eastpoint, FL 32328.  Thank you for your support.
ECCC is a non-profit, 501-c(3) organization serving those over age 55 in Franklin County.  If you or someone you know is in need, please call us at 850-370-0116 or email us at ecccfranklin@gmail.com.