Parkway Place seniors raise money for needy families

Regina Wells, Eunice Alleman and Abby Williams take a look around at the gently used sale at Parkway Place to raise for a family in need.

Residents at Parkway Place, a senior living community in Houston, recently held a gently-used sale to raise funds to assist area families at Christmas.

Items at the sale were donated by residents, staff and the National Charity League, according to a press release.

The event raised nearly $700 which, in part, will be given to the Salvation Army and The Bridge Over Troubled Waters.

The fundraiser was the idea of Vonceil Crowder, a former Salvation Army minister and Parkway Place resident.

"I like to get people involved, and I enjoy helping others," said Crowder in the press release. "During my 34 years with the Salvation Army, I served in disasters, hurricanes and tornados and I feel I was placed here for a purpose."

Crowder is president of the assisted living resident council at Parkway Place. The group participates in fundraising activities throughout the year. The residents also recently bagged rice and beans for the Houston Food Bank.

"I think it is wonderful to see how much Parkway Place residents give back to the community," said Shannon Schmidt, assisted living activity director, in the release. "The activities give the residents purpose and the ability to participate in something that makes a difference in the lives of others."

Parkway Place is at 1321 Park Bayou Drive, Houston.

For more information, call 281-677-5912 or visit www.bucknerparkwayplace.org.