Its that time of year when the world seems overwhelmed by solicitations from every non-profit trying to pay its rent and offer a service. Clever copywriters tug on your heart stings reminding you that your dollars can buy a girl her fist doll or feed a hungry family. Our in-boxes are flooded with requests to help Santa provide toys for good little girls and boys everywhere from down the street to countries where you could get killed for celebrating Christmas.
Rather than sending that teddy bear to some third world country, where a kid would rather have a pair of shoes or a well with clean drinking water, consider sending a gift to the forgotten “kids” in the home. Alzhemier’s patients and people suffering from dementia have fragile bodies and mysterious minds that often have them thinking and acting like a 6 year old.
Last year, I visited a nursing home immediately after their holiday party. Each resident was given a special present, a beige felt blanket wrapped in a ribbon. My mother thanked the nursing staff profusely and left it on her lap. Another resident, Marie had a look of disappointment on her face. I thought she was about to cry.
The next day, I asked a few of my favorite 4th graders if they would like to make some holiday greetings for the people in the nursing home. They made over 200 cards.
On Christmas, I brought my mother a pile of beautifully wrapped presents. I also made sure to bring something for the other residents who didn’t get visitors. I stopped by the local discount store and bought a few dozen teddy bears and wrapped them up with big gaudy bows. The residents were so surprised. They smiled and hugged their teddy bears.
It takes so little to make some “kids” happy.
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