Leisure World News

Operation Christmas Child: A Santa Claus Opportunity By Kim A. Hansen Remember that feeling of anticipation on Christmas Eve? You were so excited for Christmas morning to finally arrive to see what Santa left in your stocking and under the tree? It was that feeling of wonder and glee at ripping off the wrapping and ribbon to see what was inside! Now, imagine being a child who has never experienced the magic of Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. And what if you never opened a gift — no Christmas presents, no birthday presents, no anticipation of feeling special because someone — not even Mom and Dad — ever gave you a gift to open. Operation Christmas Child (OCC) brings these feelings of anticipation, excitement and wonder to children around the world ages 2 to 14-years-old. A Special Outreach The OCC program is part of the outreach ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, a philanthropic organization much like the Red Cross. Samaritan’s Purse is run by Franklin Graham, the son of Billy Graham. The company helps with disaster relief, humanitarian aid, house builds, and my favorite: Operation Christmas Child! Along with giving children a shoebox filled with brand new items, there is an opportunity for recipients to go through the “Greatest Journey” to learn about Jesus Christ and what Christianity means when you believe and have God in your life. This is a worthy endeavor, but not my main reason for participating in OCC on a yearly basis. I fill shoeboxes to spread love, bring joy to children and to provide them with that Christmas morning feeling of wonder by opening a special gift just for them. I get to be Mrs. Claus and an elf all in one! I have been actively involved in OCC since 2015 when I learned about it through my church while living in Washington state. I then became a hands-on helper for OCC at a local church in New Town, Missouri, when I moved there for work. Since then, I continue to be Mrs. Claus once a year! Shoebox Packing Party Throughout the year, one of my sister’s and I purchase items for our Annual Shoebox Packing Party. Some item suggestions include: color crayons (16-24 count), crayon sharpener, coloring book, 5x7 notebook (for older kids), pencils, eraser, pencil sharpener, pens, colored pencils, ruler, math-colors-shapes December 2021 www.lwca.com Ring in 2022! Page B1 Financially Preparing for Holidays Page A16 Lions Club Veterans Breakfast Page A6 L EISURE W ORLD N EWS The speed limit on Leisure World streets is 25 mph. No passing. New Community Manager Jason Doll: Passionate About Serving Others! Leisure World is pleased to announce new Community Manager Jason Doll! Jason served as interim Community Manager for the past two months before officially accepting the position. “The Governing Board is confident — based on many recommendations received from residents, including our former Community Manager — that Jason will do an outstanding job in providing leadership to our community,” says Governing Board President Barbara Peters. “The board has had the pleasure of working with Jason in the past and knows he is hardworking, trustworthy and caring. We look forward to working with him!” For several years, Jason has been part of the Community Association Institute (CAI) and the Large- Scale Manager’s Association. He has taken several educational courses with CAI and recently finished the Community Association Management certification (CAM M100). Since 2016, Jason served as Leisure World’s Operations Manager. In this role, he worked with various departments to increase operational efficiency and improve customer service to best help residents. “I love Leisure World and serving this incredible community,” says Jason. “I am honored to be the new Community Manager. For me, Leisure World is not just a place where I work, but a special community that I consider family.” And with Jason’s famous catchphrase, “Is there anything I can do for you?,” we believe it! It is what residents and staff have come to love best about Jason – his caring, servant heart and warm personality! “Jason leads by example and is fabulous to work for,” says Lifestyle Director Rhonda Cap who has worked with Jason for several years. “His spirit is infectious and no matter how busy he is, he always takes the time to speak to every person he comes in contact, which attributes to the positive energy in Leisure World.” Community Builder A Kansas native, Jason began working at Leisure World in July 2015 as Security Director. After an intense nationwide search, Jason was deemed the right man for the job. His 15-year background in law enforcement and public safety stood out. He also had a successful track record of creating positive change and forging solid community relationships. Jason began his career as a police officer in Halstead, Kansas. While working as a police officer, he was also a volunteer firefighter and EMT. Several years later, he became police chief in Kechi, Kansas. Shortly thereafter, he was a police chief and public safety director in Carlisle, Iowa. There, he oversaw the police, fire and emergency medical departments. Jason with his wife Amy and their four children. New Community Manager Jason Doll Plentiful gift items for children in need. continues on page A5 continues on page A4

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