Washington “disco” senior gets gift of washing machine
Samuel Cree saw the camera and posed in style, saying his favorite disco performer was Donna Summer.
Samuel Cree stands with Deanna Naumann of Sunny Days In Home Care, who nominated him for the Twilight Wish gift.
Samuel Cree, 72, of Washington, said he was overwhelmed when he walked into a party dedicated to him.
The cake, donated by Gypsy’s Heavenly Delights, highlights the disco theme that organizers put together for Samuel Cree.
Samuel Cree took care of his mother throughout her struggle with Alzheimer’s and almost as soon as she passed away, he suffered a stroke three years ago. The 72-year-old, who lives alone on Third Street in Washington, proudly did most chores even as he recovered, but one task had him leaning on others: laundry.
“He told us how he wasn’t able to wash laundry properly for several years because he didn’t have a washing machine. He’s volunteered throughout his community, cared for his mother in a really trying time – and we knew this nomination for a gift was the right one,” said Christine McGuire, volunteer organizer with the newly formed Washington County chapter of Twilight Wish Foundation, a charity benefitting seniors.
“We’re almost all from the health care community. And we’re looking to grant more than one wish a year, but this was our first one in over a year,” McGuire said. The last gift the organization gave was a visual communication device to Theo Mechtawi, a Washington County native who lost his hearing and couldn’t use the telephone.
A disco-themed party was set up for Cree on Wednesday at King’s restaurant on Route 19 in North Strabane after one of his Sunny Days In Home Care assistants, Deanna Naumann, nominated him for the gift, which Cree was able to purchase at a deep discount of $300.
“He just moved me. He’s a genuinely good person. A look around his home revealed no modern entertainment like a CD player or TV, but the most pressing need was a washing machine,” Naumann said. “If it weren’t for Bridgeville Appliance donating the washer, this couldn’t have happened.” The business also delivered and set up the machine for Cree.
The disco-themed party, with cymbal-sizzling beats playing as Cree entered the reception, was no accident. Organizers caught wind of his fanship.
“Disco has been a big part of my life. I organized a club in the ’90s at the West Hills shopping center …” Cree said, “and I have have records and cassettes of Donna Summer and a bunch of good ones that haven’t worn out – yet.”
Cree was asked how he’s been faring since recovering from his stroke, to which he replied, “I’m stayin’ alive, as the Bee Gees would say.”
The next Twilight Wish fundraiser is May 14 at Washington Senior Life in the Washington Crown Center. Eligible nominees for future gifts must be 68 years old, a permanent resident of a care facility or economically disadvantaged. More information and donations can be made at www.twilightwish.org. The organization has just $1,200 in reserves, according to McGuire.