“B, 7….N, 33…G, 51”
“BINGO!” cried an elderly participant from across the room.  She called out what numbers she had marked on her card and “that’s a good bingo, come claim your prize.”
As she rose, she grabbed for her cane and hobbled up to the prize table.  Back she came, cautiously taking step by step revealing a smile that exposed the deep wrinkles that poverty, no doubt, left as a permanent reminder of the hardship this beautiful, aged woman has seen.  She nestled back into her seat with her new ivory purse strapped around her shoulder, “I haven’t had a new purse in probably 20 years.”
One week before Thanksgiving, about 50 of CAP’s elderly participants gathered in Jackson County, KY for their annual Thanksgiving Dinner Celebration.  Participants from the surrounding four counties were bused in for the afternoon.  They began arriving around 11AM and spent time mingling and talking with one another.  Puzzles and word searches were placed on the tables for their leisure.  As everyone got settled, participants and volunteers graced us with their musical talent—guitar strings were strummed and hymns rang out as we lifted our voices.  After a time of sharing Scripture and Thanksgiving stories, it was time to eat.  
Participants filled their plates with turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, cranberry sauce, and rolls.  Once plates were cleared, Bingo began and prizes were distributed.
These are the simple outings that mean so much to our elderly participants.  Providing a time to socialize in a warm building with a great meal reminds them that they have not been forgotten though they live in the remote hills and hollers of Appalachia.  The Elderly Program serves these participants by driving them to the store, taking them to the doctor, providing social engagements and reminding them that we value and remember them even when they feel forgotten and alone.  
We pray for a safe, joyful holiday season for these participants and hope that our celebration was only the beginning of great food and company surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas.