Think about growing old without the company of a television set…or even a decent TV with a good picture and sound. Those long days, often spent in isolation, can be even longer.
When we spoke with Dalia Abbott at Project Ezra on the Lower East Side of Manhattan last week she shared that every other Thursday a small group of their seniors come to the building for a movie. The group decides what they want to see, Netflix sends it on and everyone enjoys the film, some companionship and a drink and light snacks.
Imagine our horror when Dalia shared a picture of the television the group was using. (Unfortunately, her camera phone did not do justice to the actual photo). Despite the color and beautiful music Barbara Streisand was belting out in Hello Dolly, the group was viewing this on a small out-dated TV set. In fact, Dalia admitted that "sadly, some people have chosen not to come to the group because they can’t see the picture."
This was something we could fix and just a few minutes ago, Dalia reported back on her shopping expedition. For a truly reasonable amount of tzedakah money, Project Ezra’s seniors will ease their isolation, share some food and enjoy a good flick on a wide-screen, flat-panel TV that everyone can see.
Who knows? Maybe Movie Day will be held every week. The Good People Fund is thrilled to make this happen…maybe we will even send some popcorn!
