Theft from long-term care home prompts extra kindness

As it happened in the Dr. Seuss classic Christmas story, so it happened at Errinrung Long-Term Care and Retirement Community in Thornbury. 

A Grinch tried to steal Christmas, then a community came together in the true spirit of the season. 

Earlier this month, Errinrung's executive director Leanne Haynes reported the theft of several Christmas display items from the long-term care home's lawn. This year, staff spent extra time and money setting up outdoor decorations to give residents something bright and cheery to look at. Indoor decorations are severely limited because of COVID-19 cleaning protocols. 

After learning decorations were stolen, the community rallied to put things right, and better than they were before. 

Haynes said volunteers showed up at the home to set up several donated items. Others donated food and drink for the Christmas display set up volunteers. Members of the community also raised money, which was used to purchase gifts to fill a stocking for every one of the 40 long-term care and 35 retirement residents living at Errinrung.