Gnome Homes & Stronger Communities: A Creative Volunteer Project with Heart

Last week, CHC staff from across the country came together near our home office in Alexandria, VA to connect around our shared mission. As part of our annual staff meeting, we were thrilled to participate in a meaningful volunteer project—building Gnome Homes for local seniors.

Many older adults in long-term care experience loneliness due to limited companionship and a lack of daily routines or responsibilities. While pets can provide comfort, they aren’t always a practical option. So we found a creative, low-maintenance alternative: cheerful, handcrafted Gnome Homes designed to bring a sense of joy and connection.

Our Gnome Homes will be donated to Senior Services of Alexandria, a remarkable nonprofit that has been serving residents 60+ in our home office community for more than 57 years. Their programs—ranging from Meals on Wheels and grocery delivery to pet support and the Senior Ambassador Program—truly embody compassion in action.

Thank you to Mary Lee Anderson for sharing more about Senior Services’ vital work—and for inspiring us to think creatively about how we can support community well-being in every stage of life. And thank you to CHC’s Shannon George and Becky Ehret for facilitating this heartwarming team volunteer opportunity.

As CHC CEO Jean C. Accius, PhD, reminds us,
“Strong cores build unshakeable communities.”

At CHC: Creating Healthier Communities, we believe in walking our talk—supporting well-being not only through partnerships and funding, but through hands-on service that builds connection and joy.

If your organization is interested in a custom volunteer experience like this—designed to match your team’s interests and community needs—we’d love to help you bring it to life. Let’s build something meaningful together.

Reach out to us to start planning your next team volunteer project.