Spring is a busy season for many of us, so take a load off your plate and make plans to pick up dinner on Friday, May 5. Mt. Hope Nazarene Retirement Community will host a drive-through chicken barbecue dinner in the parking lot of LCBC, 2392 Mount Joy Road, Manheim, from 4 to 6 p.m. The meal will include Peters' Barbecue fire-grilled chicken, gourmet cheesy potatoes, savory baked beans with bacon, a dinner roll with butter, Mt. Hope's famous coleslaw and a dessert. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit Mt. Hope, a 50-bed skilled nursing facility and rehabilitation center providing care for seniors and people with disabilities regardless of their ability to pay.

"Most residents at Mt. Hope do not have financial resources to cover the cost of their care, and a growing gap of about $150 a day exists between what a resident is able to pay and the cost of daily care," explained Kris Wilson, director of advancement. "That's why these fundraisers are so very important for Mt. Hope and the care we provide. Any gift to Mt. Hope is appreciated and makes a huge difference."

Wilson noted that a new opportunity has been created to support Mt. Hope on an ongoing basis. "This spring is the perfect time to join in a monthly partnership with Mt. Hope," she stated. "We're kicking off our monthly giving opportunities and welcoming new growth, which brings exciting energy and life to Mt. Hope. Our monthly giving program enables Mt. Hope to finance our day-to-day activities and cover daily operating expenses."

Wilson emphasized that the facility is growing in several ways, with new programming, building upgrades and new staff members. "Our care team is growing with the addition of two excellent team members: Michelle Weber, a registered nurse and director of nursing, as well as Steph Book, occupational therapist and therapy program manager. Both have over 22 years of experience in their respective jobs."

Mt. Hope's capital campaign continues, providing funding for remodeling the first-floor nurses' station, the main entrance and resident common areas as well as upgrades to the building's HVAC system. New programming for residents includes guest vocal performances, Ladies' Tea Time, Men's YouTube Club, an indoor garden cart on wheels and outings to community events. Proceeds from the chicken barbecue will help support all of the programming at Mt. Hope.

Preorders for the chicken barbecue will be saved under the name provided when ordered. To preorder or for more information, call Wilson at 717-682-8026 or email advancement@mthopenazarene.org by Sunday, April 30. Extra meals will be available on-site while supplies last. No handling of money will occur on the day of food pickup. When picking up meals, customers may put payment in a drop-box in the form of exact change or checks made payable to "Mt. Hope Nazarene Retirement Community." The cost of the meal is $17. Additional donations for resident care needs will be accepted, and a tax receipt will be sent. For more information on giving opportunities, contact Wilson.