2007 Grandparents Day 1-Day Calling Programs
Free cell phone calling for nursing home residents

Project:
U.S. Cellular Mid-Atlantic would  partner with the organization that started Grandparents Day to do free one day calling programs across Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland at Genesis Care Centers to promote National Grandparents Day. 
 
Goal: 
Raise awareness and visibility about National Grandparents Day and touch our local communities in a positive way by connecting grandparents with their loved ones on this special day.
 
Background:
Grandparents Day originated in the state of West Virginia.  Marian McQuade, a housewife from Fayette County, West Virginia created the day to persuade children to tap the wisdom of their grandparents and remember their heritage by visiting their loved ones, particularly in nursing homes.
 
Grandparents Day Calling Programs:
U.S. Cellular associates would bring phones to Genesis Care Centers throughout Virginia and West Virginia (at pre-designated centers) and assist the residents or program participants in placing free phone calls to their loved ones for a few hours on Thursday, September 6 (the Thursday before Grandparents Day).
 
One location will be the grand command center where U.S. Cellular will entice members of the national news media to come and talk to relatives of Marian McQuade. Mrs. McQuade founded Grandparents Day, which was then proclaimed a national holiday in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter.