The Heart of Christmas

Nov 30, 2013 | People

[title subtitle=”story: Marla Cantrell”][/title]

Bing Crosby’s playing in the background, and the talk in the common room at this long-term care facility is about what the holidays used to be like when these seniors were children. Today, they remember, detailing the way the smell of their mother’s cooking filled the air, how they helped their father chop down a cedar tree and decorated it with popcorn and handmade ornaments, how excited they were waiting for Santa.

The memories help, but sometimes it’s just not enough. Some have outlived their families and friends. For them, this time of year can be an especially lonely time.

That’s where Hearts of Gold, an outreach program of Project Compassion in Fort Smith, Arkansas, comes in. Last year alone they gathered enough gifts for 2,000 residents in thirty-one area facilities. The list of things the residents ask for is humbling: warm socks, sweatpants and sweatshirts to wear for doctors’ visits, undershirts, lotion, bras, a decent razor, pajamas, robes, large print Bibles.

Those who volunteer with the program tell heartbreaking stories. At times, they say, the elderly are dropped off at a long-term care facility with only the clothes on their backs. Imagine what that must feel like. Imagine the helplessness.

So all year long, the charity gathers care packages for residents in need. And at Christmas they make sure that everyone in the thirty-one facilities they service gets a present to unwrap. One of the top requests is lotion, like Jergens or Oil of Olay. They like jigsaw puzzles with jumbo pieces, books with large print, and house shoes with non-slip soles.
The cost to make their Christmas a happy one is minimal. You can pick up any of these items on your weekly shopping trips. Some of the residents hardest to fit are those in the plus sizes, so consider that when you’re in the store. And if you’re especially busy this year, you can donate cash that will be used to buy the gifts. When you’ve decided what you’re going to do, you’ll need to take your unwrapped present to any local Simmons First National Bank in the River Valley or Fayetteville, through December 24.

You can even adopt a resident if you’d like, buy the gift they requested and add a personal card to let them know you’re thinking of them on Christmas. It could be a wonderful family tradition, getting your kids involved, even handcrafting your own card. If you own a business, you and your employees might want to adopt several residents. It’s a wonderful way to be part of something special.

So give if you can, and if you can’t, consider this. There are many ways to help. You can volunteer to visit residents who are unable to leave their rooms. You can volunteer to bring your well behaved pets with current shot records to visit. Many had to find other homes for their pets when they moved in, and being able to interact with these animals is a great source of joy. So far, people have brought in cats, dogs, parrots, even sheep. Or you could join the “Read to a Resident” program, which only requires thirty minutes a week.

One final note. Remember that these items are needed throughout the year. If you can’t give now, consider putting a reminder on your calendar for later in 2014, and give then. Because giving back really does make life better. For the person you’re giving to, absolutely. But also for yourself.

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For more information on how you can help, visit projectcompassioninc.org, or call 479.783.2273.

The Hearts of Gold campaign kicks off on Tuesday, December 3, 2013, with an open house at the St. Scholastica Retreat Center, inside the Trinity Junior High building at 1205 South Albert Pike Avenue, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. The Jack and Jill Daycare singers will perform, 40/29’s chief meteorologist, Drew Michaels, will emcee, and there will be door prizes and refreshments. Bring your unwrapped donations with you, and enjoy being part of our great community.

Donations will also be accepted at any Simmons First National Bank location in the River Valley or Fayetteville, Arkansas until close of business on December 24.

NOTE: There are many requests for plus sizes for both men and women.

Please bring gifts unwrapped.

Drop off Locations are at Simmons First National Banks in the River Valley and Northwest Arkansas.

Deadline to drop off gifts is end of business on December 24.

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List of Needs

  • Pajamas
  • Robes
  • Non-Skid Socks
  • Undershirts
  • Underwear
  • Bras
  • Nightgowns
  • Shoes
  • Lap Quilts
  • Lotion (Jergens and Oil of Olay are the most requested)
  • Disposable Razors
  • Large Print Bibles
  • Large Print Books
  • House Shoes
  • Jigsaw Puzzles with Jumbo Pieces
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