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Brotherly Love: Helping At A Holiday Party

By Ukee Washington

GWYNEDD Twp., Pa., (CBS) -- During the holidays, some people like to donate food or money. Some people take it even further, throwing a party for people who otherwise might be forgotten. We met up with volunteers at a facility run by Kencrest, a non-profit that serves thousands with disabilities.

Carli McCree is making new friends and helping them decorate this year's Christmas tree.

"These were ornaments that they had made throughout the years," said McCree.

Most of the 17 clients in this group home in Gwynedd Township cannot walk or talk. They require 24-hour nursing care. Staffers and volunteers put up the tree every year.

Jean Lopardo was there too. She is a music therapist who plays here once a week. Today, it's all holiday songs.

"Something fun to do besides sit and watch TV.  It's something new and special for them," Lopardo said.

Staffers and volunteers sing along. Some residents even play along. Lopardo's fee is covered by a generous donor in memory of a former resident. Another donor provided lunch.

Gary Clofine, acting program director, said, "We had a group, a caterer, who has come out and donated his time, food for everybody, for the volunteers, for the residents."

Members of the Montgomery County Development Corporation joined the party, including Desiree Miller of PECO. "And the fact that we're able to communicate at all with these people who are so enjoying it has been really fulfilling," Miller said.

"A lot of smiles that they're putting on our faces," McCree said. "It's been a nice day overall."

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