The Thurston “It’s the little things” Family Fund
(Amy E. Thurston and her parents, John R. Thurston and Helen Kroll Belongia)

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It’s the “little things,” one’s special personal involvements and experiences, which make life worth living. As one gets old, these important “little things” are too often lost in the lonely shuffle.

The Thurston Fund attempts to recognize this problem and address it. This Donor Advised Fund will be used to promote the psychological well-being of people ages 65 and up. It will focus on innovative programs that encourage new approaches to meeting the individual needs of elderly people, including addressing the isolation that many of them face.

Special consideration will be given to programs designed to help pets remain with elderly owners and to programs created to help an elderly owner’s pet find a new home if necessary. The Fund may also support a variety of activities, including field trips, writing projects, art displays, group interactions, provision of comfort objects, and visits from therapy animals, that enhance the quality of life for elderly people. It will also support efforts to help seniors vote in elections.

Through the work of nonprofits supported by the Thurston Fund, Chippewa Valley residents will have a multitude of new opportunities to find meaning, support, and dignity as they age.

You can read John Thurston's article "Ageism: The Last Politically Correct Prejudice" on the Volume One website.