Wrapping for Alzheimer’s Cleveland Daily Banner by RICHARD GOAD Banner Staff Writer Creative Story Project raises funds at Christmas for therapy program The Creative Story Project, a member of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, collaborated last weekend with the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office to execute an altruistic holiday fundraiser. The fundraiser, organized as a gift-wrapping drive at retailer T.J.Maxx on Paul Huff Parkway, aimed to generate funds for the Creative Story Project’s “Story Power,” a form of narrative therapy for Alzheimer’s/dementia patients. Joyce Vanderpool, one of the CSP founders, participated as a gift wrapper during Saturday and Sunday’s philanthropy, and brought with her a host of enthusiastic volunteers. Customers were greeted at the door by the BCSO’s Janet Conley who, in “Santa’s Elf” getup, beckoned shoppers to have their gifts professionally wrapped by the CSP team. “Our goal is, simply put, to raise money for the Creative Story Project,” Vanderpool stated. “We’re hoping for at least $600, and as of Saturday, we were already over $300.” The CSP’s “Story Power” method of therapy “reaches dementia/Alzheimer’s sufferers through story creation that removes the pressure to remember, replaces it with stimulation of imagination, and encourages communication with fellow patients, caregivers and family members,” she said. Additionally, “Story Power” is utilized in other resident and/or group settings in the health care field. The “Story Power program,” as described in an Alzheimer’s Foundation release, “provides an environment where participants can flourish in an atmosphere that is accepting, respectful, non-judgmental and meaningful. Through the process of story creation by participants, the stage is set for creating positive interactions and increasing a sense of community.” Vanderpool explained the “Story Power” process as a simple, yet effective tool in combating the dwindling sense of creative social engagement and purpose in elderly dementia patients. A facilitator will lead a group of participants in the creation of a story. Going around the group, each will be asked to make an addition to the story. Patients utilize “narrative techniques which encourage participation … often (yielding) therapeutic results,” according to AFA/CSP information. As a Christmas bonus to the fundraiser, Santa and his chief elf were at T.J.Maxx taking pictures with children, free of charge. Keith Fulton, a longtime Santa and holiday volunteer, said of the CSP drive, “It’s a charitable cause that I love to support yearly.” Dressed as “Santa’s Helper,” T.J.Maxx store manager Joe Buccellato played out his and the store’s support of the CSP’s fundraiser by not only offering to host the event, but having himself and employees participate.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Dec 2014 15:34:54 +0000
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