Normally the halls at Penobscot Valley Industries and the Ralph Leek Elders’ Program are rather quiet during work time and group activity sessions, but not lately. During the recent chilly week that brought the spring weather we’re now enjoying, the halls were bustling with the excitement of helping others as members of the Ralph Leek Elders’ Program went to work raising money for Alzheimer’s research.

The Ralph Leek Elders’ Program, a division of Amicus, is a day habilitation program specializing in community integration and skills training for older adults in Greater Bangor who have disabilities. The socially minded group is always finding ways to give back to the community. People volunteer their services in many ways, such as the Cake Bakers program sponsored through BMHI, and the Angel Tree program sponsored by the Salvation Army.

Program members always are looking for new ways to help people in the community who may have specific needs, so during one recent brainstorming session they decided to raise money for a chosen cause. After discussion and voting, the group chose Alzheimer’s research as its next opportunity to help others. Because so many elderly people are affected by Alzheimer’s disease, many of whom RLE members know personally, this effort was quickly voted as the program’s “cause of the year.”

People decided the best way they could help would be to hold a “Walk-a-Thon.” Because RLE recognizes the importance of physical exercise in order to maintain mobility, and because it was so cold outside, participants were determined to use the indoor facility and make the project successful. The members set their own personal walking goals and collected pledges. By the end of the Walk-a-Thon, they had collected $211 to aid Alzheimer’s research.

One program member said, “It feels good to help.” This is so true, especially with a cause that is close to the heart.

All of us have friends, family or peers who have been affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Often, people feel powerless against such an illness, so the Walk-a-Thon gave RLE members the opportunity to feel empowered and do something positive. Because of their experience with Alzheimer’s, the fund-raiser was much more worthwhile and personal.

“I feel that is why it was so successful,” said one of the RLE staff members. “It makes people feel like an important part of their community to be able to help out in a meaningful way.”

The group will continue to raise money for Alzheimer’s research throughout the year. Those wishing to be a part of the fund-raising efforts should call 941-2898.

Kelley Walker is a program specialist at the Ralph Leek Elders Program.