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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

Ely community steps up to replace funds stolen from nursing home

Keith vandervort
Posted 12/14/19

 

ELY - The Grinch stopped at the Boundary Waters Care Center here Friday when money was stolen from the nursing home during a Christmas luncheon. Donations meant to be used for craft …

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Ely community steps up to replace funds stolen from nursing home

Posted

ELY – Despite a visit by the Grinch to the Boundary Waters Care Center here last Friday, money stolen from an activities donation jar at the nursing home during a family Christmas luncheon has been replaced – and then some.
Donations meant to be used for craft supplies and bingo prizes for the residents were taken during a family Christmas event, according to BWCC Activities Director Bonnie Forsman.  
In response to the Grinch-like behavior, Forsman said in a Facebook post: “What a wonderful Christmas luncheon we hosted at Boundary Waters Care Center. Thank you to all the families that joined us. To whomever stole the money raised for our residents, we hope that you have a Merry Christmas. Our Activity Department works very hard raising money throughout the year for our residents. It is really disheartening that someone would steal from them.”
Another BWCC employee also posted a Facebook message to the thief. “You are not taking that money from me. You have taken it from my residents! Veterans who have served our country, mothers and fathers who have taken care of us. All that they have done for our country to make it great and now to be in a nursing home and have so little,” said Kyle Stella, BWCC Recreational Therapy Assistant.
Once the incident was put on Facebook and word spread in the Ely community, dozens of people stepped forward to help replenish the stolen cash. Area businesses, including Sir G’s Italian Restaurant, Lakeshore Liquor and Zaverl’s Bar donated a portion of their sales last Saturday to help the BWCC.
The total amount of money taken from the jar was estimated at about $300, according to BWCC Executive Director Adam Masloski. “In response to all the publicity about the incident, the Ely community really stepped up. It has been amazing. We received donations from all over the place. We even heard from children who donated their piggy bank money. It really shows how great our community is and why we all love to live here,” he said.
“So far, we have raised over $2,500 through the gracious donations of community members,” Masloski said late Tuesday.
“Any donations can be brought directly to the Activities Department,” Forsman said. “During after hours/weekend times, please give your donation to the nurses and they will lock it up in their med carts. Thank you again for your kindness and generosity. Your donations will be appreciated and help enrich the lives of our residents.”
Donations can be sent to: BWCC, Attn: Activities Dept., 200 West Conan Street, Ely, MN 55731. Write checks to: Attention Activities Department.
The Northeast Range girls swim team will host a bake sale on Sunday, Dec 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Zup’s Market in Ely to raise funds to give back to the Boundary Waters Care Center activity department.

Ely, robbery, Boundary Waters Care Center