“A giant box with hearts drawn in marker found its way to strangers in Florida and what happened next was nothing short of extraordinary.”

~ Amy Baxter, Legacy Lodge Assisted Living Life Enrichment Coordinator.

On a chilly fall morning in Jackson, Wyoming the residents of Legacy Lodge Assisted Living were watching images of seniors being evacuated from their homes in Southern Florida due to power outages and flooding caused by hurricane Irma.

Although separated by 2,500 miles the images caused concern which soon spurred to action. Seeing the potential to do something purposeful for both our residents and those impacted by the hurricane, Amy Baxter, Legacy Lodge’s Life Enrichment Coordinator, had an idea; care packages!

She held a brainstorming session with the Legacy Lodge Assisted Living residents and the “Love from Wyoming” project was born.

Over the course of several days, and many coffees later, more than 100 personalized letters of encouragement and love were transcribed on group photos of The Legacy Lodge Residents.

But, that wasn’t enough. The crafters of the group made “Love Bug” pencils. The shoppers hunted down decks of cards and word search books. After all, life without power would probably be boring and games certainly would help! Finally, an assembly line was organized, and everything was stuffed into individual gift bags.

After a simple internet search Amy found the address of Williamsburg Landing Assisted Living, one of the affected facilities seen on television.

“A giant box with hearts drawn in marker found its way to strangers in Florida,” said Amy Baxter, Life Enrichment Coordinator at Legacy Lodge at Jackson Hole, “and what happened next was nothing short of extraordinary.”

First, a photograph of Williamsburg Landing Residents holding up a thank you sign appeared on Facebook. Then thank your cards traveled from Florida to Wyoming, followed by a giant gift basket of treats and inquires as to what Jackson, WY is like.

The Wyomingites put together a photo book featuring pictures of Yellowstone, Grand Teton, wildlife and town square. More and more stories were shared across the miles and pen pal friendships developed.

After life got back to normal in Sunny Florida, the residents of Williamsburg Landing returned the favor. On the first snowy day in Jackson “You Are My Sunshine” goody bags arrived at Legacy Lodge complete with orange marmalade and “Retiremints”.

What started as a simple act of kindness has given purpose, encouraged and brightened the days of seniors in both communities. “It’s a friendship we look forward to nurturing and everyone looks forward to the mail coming.” said a Legacy Lodge resident.

Legacy Lodge at Jackson Hole offers independent and assisted living apartments on two levels in a beautiful lodge-style community nestled at the foot of the Tetons in the Rafter J division of Jackson.  For more information, please check out our website.