Sevier County Seniors Reflect on a Year of Blessings During Sarah's Fund Christmas Party.

The Dolly Parton My People Senior Activity Center held its annual Sarah’s Fund Christmas Party on December 14, ending the year with a special day of holiday festivities. ​​Nearly a dozen seniors were in attendance at the event, where they enjoyed playing games and exchanging gifts before going on a surprise outing for lunch.

Fun Festivities to Celebrate the Season.

As seniors arrived for the party, they were thrilled to hear that they would be going on a special outing to eat lunch at the Pottery House Cafe, a popular restaurant in Pigeon Forge, famous for its made-from-scratch homestyle dishes. Everyone pre-ordered a meal before enjoying coffee and socializing with friends at the activity center. While waiting on a few latecomers, they kicked off the fun with an impromptu game of Bingo!

Once everyone was in attendance, a staff member from the Senior Center narrated a spirited game of "Left, Right." There were lots of laughs as seniors passed gifts left to right, then right to left. When the game ended, everyone opened the gift they were holding. They were all thrilled to find chocolates, blankets, gift baskets and all kinds of wonderful surprises inside!

After a morning full of fun and games, the seniors boarded the bus for their lunch outing. The staff at Pottery House treated the Sarah's Fund group like royalty—the table was set beautifully for Christmas and the service was top-notch! 

For many seniors, the opportunities to do something outside of their homes or assisted living facilities are few and far between, so everyone was filled with gratitude and good cheer for this wonderful holiday gift from Sarah's Fund!

Bringing Good Tidings of Great Joy.

A few seniors in attendance at the holiday party shared thankful thoughts for the Sarah's Fund program.

"I think that this is the best program there is...we gather together, we have a good time...I love it!"

"It puts a smile on our face and love in our hearts."

"Thank you very much for blessing us so!"

When the COVID-19 crisis hit and monthly activities were no longer possible, Sarah's Fund shifted focus and used its funds to provide emergency meals for seniors in need. In July 2021, the My People Senior Activity Center was finally able to resume hosting monthly Sarah's Fund events, filled with crafting activities, entertainment, food and fellowship.

This year, seniors enjoyed a wide range of engaging activities, such as creating their own mini gardens in the summer, crafting autumn lanterns and beautiful fall wreaths and making homemade Christmas cards to share with loved ones for the holidays. When extra funds allow, the seniors in the program are sometimes treated to a special outing for lunch, like their enjoyable trip to Cracker Barrel in September.

Thank You for Your Generous Contributions.

Thank you for your generous donations in 2021 and for continuing to support Sarah's Fund. Many of the seniors who participate in the program do not have any family or friends nearby to take them on outings, and for some, the Sarah's Fund activities are the only chance they have to do something fun outside of their homes. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the seniors in our community!

Donate To Sarah’s Fund.

Sarah’s Fund, established by S.D. Professionals and managed by Dolly Parton’s My People Senior Activity Center, honors the legacy of Sarah Scott Timmons by providing monthly activities and assistance for Sevier County, TN, seniors at home, as well as for those in short and long-term assisted living facilities.

The Dolly Parton My People Senior Activity Center.

The Sevier County Senior Center, built in 2002, was rebranded as the Dolly Parton My People Senior Activity Center in 2018 in honor of Dolly Parton’s mother and father. It offers a range of programs, activities and services, primarily for adults aged 60 and over. Most programs are free or are offered at a nominal cost. The Sevier County Council on Aging is also located at the center and provides information and referrals, plus a wide variety of services, including a senior housing program.