STAMFORD – At a time when the nation is celebrating National Volunteer Month, the spirit of volunteerism is central to life at the Edgehill continuing care retirement community.
The senior living community’s residents often channel lifelong passions into acts of service that reach beyond the campus and into the surrounding community.
Edgehill’s knitting circle has transformed a shared love of craft into warmth for local children. During the holidays, residents knitted and delivered 70 hats to the Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County, continuing a tradition.
As residents visit the classrooms, they watch the children eagerly reach for bright colors and soft textures.
“Nothing can quite match the joy these children have when we visit and bring them their gifts,” said Edgehill resident Barbara Berk, who led the project. “We have many volunteers outside our regular knitting group who make hats for the kids because they know how much it means to the children and their families.”
Walking for a cause
For residents who enjoy staying physically active, walking together has become a powerful expression of hope and determination. For 12 years, Team Edgehill has participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, uniting residents, families and friends to support the cause.
In 2025, Edgehill residents raised $106,221, placing them among the top 20 fundraising teams nationwide. Each year, their commitment has deepened, and their impact has expanded, turning steady growth into nearly $400,000 raised in support of the Alzheimer’s Association.
“We are not powerless against this horrible disease,” said Team Edgehill Captain and resident Joan Weisman.
That same commitment carries into support for local cancer care through Stamford Health’s Hope in Motion walk, benefiting the Bennett Cancer Center. In 2025, Edgehill residents raised $75,287, bringing the total raised over the past 11 years to more than $425,000.
Creativity that connects
Residents who enjoy crafting gather to decorate gift bags and fill them with essential items for Person to Person, a local organization that supports families and individuals through access to food, clothing, housing assistance and economic opportunity.
Residents say these gatherings strengthen camaraderie and foster a sense of shared purpose — transforming creativity and compassion into tangible support for those in need.
More than 26% of U.S. seniors (65+) volunteer their time and talent in communities across the country, according to data shared by America’s Health Rankings from United Health Foundation. Connecticut ranks 15th out of all 50 states with 32.5% of their seniors giving back to communities through volunteerism.
