Beacon Hill "Angel" Enjoys Job Helping U.S. Troops

May 29, 2012 - PRLog -- HARD WORKING “ANGEL” ENJOYS HER JOB HELPING U.S. TROOPS


LOMBARD, Ill.  -- When Candy Bishop bakes desserts, she says an important part of the recipe is being able to answer this question: "How will it look if I wrap it up and stick it in a kitchen drawer for three weeks?" The reason is, a lot of her desserts go to a desert and must withstand a trip halfway around the world. In addition to sending a countless number of cookies, cakes and other treats to U.S. troops serving overseas, Bishop also writes them personal letters—a lot of letters. She stopped counting at 4,000.

For the last four years, Bishop has volunteered for Soldiers' Angels, an organization providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States military, veterans and their families. "It's changed my life, how I look at things, what's important, and it means a lot to me," she says.  

It means a lot to the soldiers as well, many who write her back and consider her like a mom. "A lot of them serving never hear from their families. That's amazing and also sad to me, but that's the way it is sometimes," Bishop says. "It's the boost they need.  And there’s something special about a handwritten letter."

Bishop got involved to make a difference in the life of someone else, as well as her own. This type of activity and lifestyle is part of the culture where Bishop lives at Beacon Hill retirement community. As far as providing aid and comfort to U.S. troops, "I think a lot of people would like to help or say thanks, but don't know how or get too busy," says Bishop. "For me, it's therapeutic, and there's a connection that's hard to describe."

Bishop says this volunteering activity has been very fulfilling and she has become very close to many troops and veterans. She isn't planning on scaling back her support for soldiers anytime soon, "There will always be troops somewhere, so I think my job security is pretty stable," says Bishop.

ABOUT BEACON HILL
Beacon Hill, located at 2400 S. Finley Rd. in Lombard, Ill., is owned and operated by Lifespace Communities, Inc., a not-for-profit company with 35 years of experience in senior living. The Life Care community provides senior adults with a unique lifestyle experience and a variety of residential options, including 395 maintenance-free apartment homes. Skilled nursing suites are also available as part of the full continuum of care. Residents enjoy a full range of services and amenities, such as an indoor heated pool, library, greenhouse and dining services. More information about Beacon Hill is available by calling (630) 691-4007 or by visiting www.BeaconHillLombard.com.

ABOUT LIFESPACE COMMUNITIES
Founded in 1976, Lifespace Communities, based in Des Moines, Iowa, is a not-for-profit corporation that has grown to operate 12 continuing care retirement communities in seven states, serving more than 5,000 residents and employing 2,500 team members. Communities are located in Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, Illinois, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Florida. The organization is recognized by the LeadingAge Ziegler Top 100 as the seventh largest not-for-profit senior living provider system in the country.

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ddunn@glynndevins.com, 913-754-2318