The Ladies of Charity at St. Gregory the Great, Williamsville NY annually sew more than 500 “walker bags,” distributed to nursing homes and hospitals throughout Western New York. This ministry was started more than 20 years ago by past LOC member Gerri Mergenhagen. For the past 15 years, it has been chaired by Martha Falsone. Martha secures fabric donations from local furniture and fabric stores and then purchases strapping material for the bags.

Katie Ola and Bandit visit nursing homes and hospitals as volunteers for Therapy Dogs International.

Katie Ola, St. Greg’s LOC secretary, and her dog, Bandit, are members of Therapy Dogs International. They distribute the bags as part of their work. Katie describes how their work brings comfort to the elderly and sick. Studies have shown that a person holding or petting an animal will cause a lowering of blood pressure, the release of strain and tension, and can draw out a person from loneliness and depression.

Source: Ladies of Charity Website

Pictured in the group of St. Gregory the Great’s LOC members who work on walker bags are, from left, Celeste Kray, Bianca Liscavage, Martha Falsone, Susan Ognibene, Nancy Ciccarelli, Pat Luzer and Joanne Randles.