Adult Day Center Wins When Genentech Gives Back
Hour by hour, there’s always some engaging activity going on at the NorthBay Adult Day Center, but on Wednesday, June 15, it was buzzing more than usual.
Guests from Genentech-Vacaville were there as part of Genentech’s “Give Back Week” activities, when its employees are encouraged to volunteer for causes that matter to them. They fan out into the community to spend time at food banks or animal shelters; for the past few years, NorthBay Adult Day Center has made several volunteers’ “must visit” list.
Four Genentech employees spent several hours at the center, helping participants plant flowers, vegetables, herbs and succulents in large containers. Then they were treated to a barbecue lunch.
Ilona Tokukura of Genentech carefully placed a row of green onion bulbs in a trench that had been dug by program participant Jose. “I’m not really sure what I’m doing,” she laughed, “but Jose is making sure I’m doing it right!”
Melissa Christensen grabbed a hand shovel and dug holes for basil and tomato plants under the watchful direction of program participant Al, whose jolly demeanor kept her laughing. “I just wanted to spend some time with members of our adult community,” Melissa explained.
“I could see they really enjoyed themselves,” noted Sandy Perez, program manager. “You hear about this disease, but it makes it all so much more human when you can spend some time with those who have it, and learn about them.”