Mt. Hope Nazarene Retirement Community has a legacy of caring for seniors and people with disabilities, regardless of their ability to pay. The Rapho Township facility relies on community support to fulfill its mission, and it regularly holds fundraising meals to help cover the costs of care. The fourth annual Sweetheart To-Go Benefit Meal will be held at LCBC - Manheim Campus, 2392 Mount Joy Road, Manheim, on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The curbside pickup meal will include Peters' Barbecue fire-grilled chicken, gourmet cheese potatoes, saucy baked beans with bacon, applesauce, a dinner roll with butter and a dessert.

"At our core, we're known to have a reputation as a caring, supportive community providing quality nursing care that focuses on providing dignity, hope and love regardless of someone's changing financial or personal circumstances," said Kris Wilson, director of advancement. "February is known as the month of love. It's when we celebrate and remember those we cherish. ... Mt. Hope tries to provide an option for families who have loved ones who are married. Being able to move in mom and dad at the same time, as a couple, is the sweetest act of care for a family."

In fact, the campus is currently home to four married couples, Wilson noted. Dervin and Charlene Hart, who live independently in a cottage, have been married for 58 years.

"They both worked at Victor F. Weaver in the chicken plant but did not know each other," Wilson shared. "As a true love story goes, Dervin caught a glimpse of Charlene with a group of giggling girls from across the office room. Dervin said to himself, 'That girl is beautiful, and I am going to meet her.' Dervin devised a plan where their paths would cross at work. They got to know one another and fell in love."

Dervin has carried his wedding picture in his wallet since 1966, Wilson commented, and Charlene said she will never forget their winter wedding. "When asked to remember her favorite date, Charlene recalled, 'Our wedding day, of course! It was on Sunday, Jan. 2, and then the three-day drive to Colorado Springs for our honeymoon,'" Wilson relayed. "Today, the Harts have seven children and 19 grandchildren."

Wilson noted that proceeds from activities such as the Sweetheart Meal help couples like the Harts get the care they need. "Thanks in advance for your participation in this benefit meal," she remarked. "Mt. Hope is appreciative for the generous community support."

Preorders will be taken for meals and saved under the name provided when ordered. To preorder, call Wilson at 717-682-8026 or email advancement@mthopenazarene.org by Saturday, Feb. 17. Extra meals will be available while supplies last. No handling of money will occur on the day of food pickup. When picking up meals, customers may leave 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.