AARP members spread Christmas cheer through local charity

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

Ormond Beach ARRP Chapter 1057 is on the hunt for gift donations for local nursing home residents this holiday.

BY EMILY BLACKWOOD | STAFF WRITER

Christmas is a time for family. But what about those without a family to go home to?

The local Ormond Beach AARP Chapter 1057 is targeting those nursing home residents that aren't expecting a gift for Christmas. It's their hope to help this Christmas, in its annual Shoe Box Project. Phyllis Heller, former overseer of the project and current director on the AARP board, started the program in 2005 when she realized some of her friends in nursing homes had such a limited amount of money to spend each month.

"They didn't have anything extra," Heller said. "And there were so many of them that didn't have anyone to come visit them or bring them any little gift. And I said, 'Well, that may be me someday.'"

When the group first started building relationships with nursing homes, the centers were hesitant at first. But Heller said once they saw the looks on the faces of the residents when they received the gifts, they began to love the program.

"We had one AARP member who would get upset with us spending money and time on this. He thought it was so ridiculous," Heller said. "Then his wife had to go into a nursing home, and he was there when they brought a shoebox into her. Her face lit up when they brought the shoebox in, and he realized how important it is."

The group will be collecting gifts and money until Dec. 10 for the project, in an effort to provide residents in assisted-living facilities with gifts this holiday. And they always make sure to put a card in every box.

"There are just people who don't have anyone now," Terry Quinn, organizer of the event, said. "We want to give to those who really need it."

The group donates to local Ormond Beach retirement homes including Avante Center, Bridgeview Center, Coquina Center, Ormond in the Pines and Seaside Manor. They hope to reach their goal of 100.

"If we go over 100, there is always someone who needs it," Quinn said, adding that the project is truly a group effort. "You should see my neighbor's garage: It is filled with stuff. We really work on this all year."

The AARP is looking for items such as socks, candy, cookies, toys, toothbrushes and more.

Call 441-0518.