Ernies Black Meadow Stories

By Heather McLean Johnson 

In 2004, my husband Dale and I saw the giving tree in Kmart and decided to get gifts for the children listed on the tree instead of for each other. We shared the idea with Maradee and Larry Talbott. Larry knew of a giving tree in Parker at the KPLZ radio station, so we decided to use those names. Others became involved, and it grew from giving to about four names to about 25 each year.

La Paz County, Arizona, ranks as one of the poorest in the nation. Our mission was to get the more fortunate seniors at Black Meadow Landing to help the less fortunate seniors.

As the organization grew we provided Christmas gifts and food baskets and contributed money to the Meals on Wheels Program of the Parker Senior Center.  We took lists of requested gifts and shopped for them in town. Volunteers filled the DooBee Center as we wrapped all the presents, put them in the boxes and bags with their names on them, and delivered them to Parker. Dozens of people served each year as shoppers, wrappers, officers, and donors.

Over time Dale and Larry organized teams to work for people who requested help from the Parker Senior Center. They would gather men willing to help and off they would go. Jobs included wheelchair ramps (many), plumbing, mowing lawns, repairing fences, roof repairs, and floor washing to name a few. This was really so important to people who could not afford repair costs. The Helping Hands organization covered all labor and materials. Some of the volunteers included Bobby Stevens, Jimmy Doyle, Derrel Hiser, Stanley Catchpool, and Eric Owen to name a few.  

We created three big activities to raise funds: Jackass Golf, Casino Night, and auctions. For the prizes and auctions, we got donations from Parker businesses and Black Meadow artists:  beautiful gift baskets, paintings, and handmade items. For a couple of years we had a walk for seniors, and we also did 50/50 drawings with Helping Hands  getting 50%. 

Maradee Talbot died in July 2020. COVID made Helping Hands a challenge for shopping, gift wrapping, and delivery. After more than 15 years, the work became too much for the aging and dwindling crew. The giving tree was taken over by the residents of La Paz County, for which we were grateful.

PHOTO: Helping Hands Cindy Leonard, Penny Young Richardson, and Barb Borst celebrate another successful event. December 12, 2018