Paul Smith and Earl Montgomery, residents of Buckner Parkway Place, built more than 60 wood toys in the senior living community’s woodshop as a way to stay active and give back.
HOUSTON (Aug. 13, 2020) – Two residents of senior living community Buckner Parkway Place used their free time during the COVID-19 pandemic to build more than 60 toys for vulnerable children. The senior adults, Paul Smith and Earl Montgomery, used the community’s woodshop as a way to stay active and also do some good for others.
“I was looking for something that would keep me active during this time, and I love working with my hands,” said Montgomery, 86, who has previous experience with metal working and crafting. “I built the toys for children in need who can use a smile.”
The toys will go to vulnerable children in Southeast Texas served by Buckner Children and Family Services, a ministry of nonprofit Buckner International, which also oversees Parkway Place’s provider, Buckner Retirement Services. In Houston, Buckner operates two Buckner Family Hope Centers and a program for single parents pursuing a college degree called Buckner Family Pathways.
“Some kids have nothing. This is saying to that child, ‘Somebody out there cares about me – somebody has done something for me, and I didn’t ask them to do it,’” said Smith, 86, who is one of the original founders of the woodshop at Parkway Place.
The men made a total of 60 wood cars, trucks and trains, as well as an additional three wood rocking chairs. The chairs, designed by Smith, contain five separate pieces of wood that can be unassembled and reassembled without tools. He calls them puzzle chairs or Gospel chairs.
“I made the first one of these chairs 21 years ago for my granddaughter,” said Smith. “I’ve probably made 32 chairs in total over the years. I’ve started calling them Gospel chairs because I use a cross as the final piece that locks the chair together and I like to attach a story to it.”
Last year, Smith was one of 14 Parkway Place residents that posed for portraits by photographer Mark Sandlin as part of the community’s new campaign, “Life, Experienced.” The campaign captures the varied interests and passions of residents, which is why Smith chose to pose in the workshop.
“At Parkway Place, we are committed to providing an experience rich community that cultivates our residents’ passions, whether it’s a hobby they’ve been doing for years or something they’ve always wanted to try,” said Abraham Mathew, executive director at Parkway Place.
“Mr. Smith and Mr. Montgomery are wonderful examples of residents committed to not only living life to the fullest despite a global pandemic, but also continuing to contribute to society and help those less fortunate.”
Located in the heart of Houston’s Energy Corridor, Buckner Parkway Place is a 15-acre community serving senior adults with the highest level of hospitality and care. Parkway Place offers a complete continuum of living and care on-site, so residents can have the peace of mind knowing their address can remain the same despite changing medical needs.
Due to the global pandemic, Parkway Place implemented visitor restrictions on March 13. Independent Living, the care level where Smith and Montgomery reside, recently began allowing guests again with restrictions in place to limit the number of people and to best mitigate risks.