A small gesture of kindness can leave an impression that lasts long after someone is gone.

That was the message Lisa Johnson shared Wednesday morning as The Era’s Less Fortunate (ELF) Fund officially kicked off its holiday giving season with its annual breakfast at First Presbyterian Church.

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Johnson, chief executive officer of Bradford Ecumenical Home Inc. and a former ELF Fund board member, told the story of Will and Mary, a Bradford couple whose generosity touched generations of neighbors.

Married for more than 70 years, the couple had no children of their own but welcomed neighborhood youngsters into their home. Mary baked chocolate chip cookies for children getting off the school bus, while Will prepared Thanksgiving dinners that brought neighbors together.

As they grew older, Will eventually sought help caring for his wife, who moved into Bradford Ecumenical Home.

He visited her faithfully every day, bringing mints to distribute to staff members as a small thank-you for caring for the love of his life.

When Will failed to arrive one day, staff members knew something was wrong. A welfare check revealed he had been hospitalized, and he later passed away.

But the mints kept coming.

Neighbors and former neighborhood children began arriving with mints to distribute to the staff, continuing the tradition Will had started.

“These were the children that Mary had made cookies for. These are the people of our community,” Johnson said.

She encouraged those attending the breakfast to reach out to others, particularly seniors who may have few visitors or family members nearby.

Johnson explained that Bradford Ecumenical Home uses a visitor management system that allows staff to identify residents who receive few visitors. Staff members refer to the information as a “love meter,” using it to make sure those residents receive additional attention and companionship.

“I don’t expect that people who live in the community have love meters,” she said, encouraging those in attendance to consider neighbors who might benefit from a visit, a meal or help with Christmas cards.

“It’s an opportunity for us to engage with one another, and to make sure that nobody is forgotten, not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year.”

Johnson also distributed small elf figurines to those attending, encouraging them to serve as helpers throughout the holiday season.

She became emotional toward the end of her presentation, which she concluded with a Christmas song by Willie Nelson dedicated to Will and Mary.

The message reflected the mission of the ELF Fund, which provides Christmas gifts and other assistance to children, families and seniors in need throughout the Bradford area.

ELF Fund board President Ed Hayden told those gathered that the organization assisted a record number of seniors last year, exceeding 200, along with approximately 250 families.

The effort involved nearly 3,000 Christmas presents distributed to local recipients.

As of Wednesday, the ELF Fund had registered 182 seniors and approximately 160 families for this year’s holiday assistance program.

Hayden said the organization is encountering different circumstances among applicants this year, including single parents working multiple jobs and women leaving abusive relationships.

He encouraged community members to identify seniors who may be isolated or in need of assistance during the holidays.

Hayden also emphasized that the ELF Fund’s work extends beyond Christmas, with the organization providing assistance to children and seniors throughout the year.

The annual breakfast brought together board members, volunteers and community supporters to begin distributing gift tags and preparing for the coming holiday season.

This year’s distribution will take place Dec. 11 at a new location, Monsignor G. Carlton Ritchie Social Hall on St. Francis Drive, which has been made available to the organization.

Hayden thanked the many businesses, organizations and volunteers supporting the ELF Fund, including John and Jeanne Satterwhite, longtime supporters who donated a 1931 Ford Model A to benefit the organization.

The vehicle was purchased by Bradford resident Bill Huber following an extended effort by the ELF Fund board to maximize the value of the donation.

The ELF Fund’s 25th annual Festival of Trees fundraiser will be held the evening of Nov. 19 at the Bradford Club.

Johnson’s message emphasized that helping others does not always require a financial contribution.

“I challenge you guys to reach out,” she said, “to make those friendships, to formulate the relationships and to share the love.”