"February is often known as the month of love," said Kris Wilson, director of advancement for Mt. Hope Nazarene Retirement Community in Manheim. While many associate that love with flowers, candy or other Valentine's Day gifts, there's a bigger love at work at Mt. Hope, Wilson stated. "It's a time of remembering Christ's love for us and the call to love others as Christ first loved us. In turn, we emphasize the importance of looking out for our neighbors, but the journey of love doesn't stop there." February, she notes, is also the month during which Random Acts of Kindness Week is commemorated, offering an opportunity to bless others with expressions of love.

That makes February the perfect month for Mt. Hope to hold a sweetheart to-go banquet, Wilson noted. The curbside pickup meal will be offered on Saturday, Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of LCBC Manheim, 2392 Mount Joy Road, Manheim. Each meal will include barbecue fire-grilled chicken, gourmet cheese potatoes, sweet and sour saucy green beans, applesauce, a dinner roll and butter and a dessert.

Proceeds from the meal will support Mt. Hope, a 50-bed nonprofit nursing facility that provides care for seniors and disabled people regardless of their financial circumstances. Although Mt. Hope is often thought of as a senior residence, the facility cares for anyone in need, Wilson said, sharing the story of 48-year-old Chris Dickson. Dickson became ill in the spring of 2020, eventually receiving a diagnosis of a large tumor on his cervical spine. The tumor was a rare form of cancer of the central nervous system. After Dickson received 14 months of hospital care and hospice services, doctors suggested that Dickson move into a skilled nursing home for end-of-life care. Wilson recalled Dickson's mother worrying about how to pay for his care and considering trying to care for him herself before contacting Mt. Hope. Dickson moved into Mt. Hope in May of 2021 and passed away peacefully on Oct. 19.

Participating in the sweetheart to-go banquet will help Mt. Hope continue to provide care for residents like Dickson. "It's the heartfelt gifts that keep Mt. Hope going and able to provide a wonderful place for people to call home," Wilson stated. "Mt. Hope continues to step in and say, yes, when other doors close for people with situations like Chris Dickson's story."

Preorders will be taken for meals and saved under the name provided when ordered. To preorder or for more information, call Wilson at 717-682-8026 or email advancement@mthopenazarene.org by Saturday, Feb. 19. Extra meals will be available on-site while supplies last. No handling of money will occur on the day of food pickup. When picking up meals, customers may leave payment in a drop-box in the form of exact change or checks made payable to "Mt. Hope Nazarene Retirement Community." The cost of the meal is $17.