Robbins Report

Seniors at EPOCH Assisted Living Continue to Give

A Baby Center is there priority

   Fred Zacheus receives a thank you kiss from A Baby Center's Director Mary Pat Piersons and Program Assitant Tish Friend for today's donation.

Story & Photographs by Peter Robbins

Six years ago the residents of EPOCH Assisted Living at Brewster Place decided they could still give back to the community in some way and chose to assist A Baby Center (ABC) in Hyannis. Their continued support is appreciated by many families and children in need across the Cape & Islands. With recent budget cutbacks, the center is in desperate need of donations of baby wipes and pull-ups for the 533 children they assisted last month. The costs for these two items exceeds $1,300 per month and had to be eliminated recently according to Director Mary Pat Piersons.

"We are doing our best to make Cape Cod the dry bum capitol of the world", according to the 95-year-old Zacheus, smiling from ear to ear.

Not if sixty-five seniors living at EPOCH can help it! Under the direction of 95-years-young Fred Zacheus, a monthly donation is delivered to ABC.  For six years Fred, with the assistance of the other residents, has filled a play pen in the lobby with items for the children of the needy families serviced by A Baby Center. "When the play pen is full, we load it up and deliver it to these wonderful people who do so much."  Today's delivery consisted of diapers, wipes, toys, baby blankets, and some beautiful hand made items as well.

Fred says, "EPOCH is full of wonderful, generous people that are dedicated to A Baby Center."

You could see the joy on his face as he greeted babies being assisted at the center. Mothers would walk by and ask, "who have we got here?"  The joy on Fred's face and the heartfelt gratitude of the staff was overwhelming.

There was almost a 100 year difference in ages as Fred smiled and touched the hand of a 10- day-old baby the mother placed in front of him.  This wonderful, caring man could not compliment the staff and what they do for the families in need enough. "These people are wonderful, what they do," remarked Fred.

"We are doing our best to make Cape Cod the dry bum capitol of the world", according to the 95-year-old Zacheus, smiling from ear to ear.

The Staff, volunteers and needy families assisted by ABC wish to thank Mr. Fred Zacheus and the residents of EPOCH for their love, dedication and continued support in a time when every donation does make a difference.

For information about A Baby Center and how you may be able to help with donations visit  their site or call 508-771-8157.  A Baby Center is located at 81 Willow Ave. in Hyannis.

UPDATE: EPOCH will host a Holiday Fashion Show to benefit A Baby Center. See details here.