Generosity and cheer shared at our first annual Holiday Drop-in event

On December 15, the CHCA in partnership with the Clair Hills Retirement Community (CHRC), hosted its first Holiday Drop-in for residents of both communities. Organized by Teresa Martin and a handful of volunteers from the CHCA, the unique event gave residents an opportunity to enjoy some coffee, hot chocolate and holiday cookies, and a free photo with the big man himself, Santa.

More than a dozen families joined us between 2pm and 5pm to celebrate the season and have a special photograph with Santa. It was also an opportunity to donate some gifts to those less fortunate. Our attendees brought a stuffed stocking for an infant, child, teenager, or senior, in support of StuffIn Stockings, a local organization dedicated to providing stockings to those in need. The generosity of our community was overwhelming with 22 stuffed stockings, plus supplies to stuff an additional eight stockings, and $60 in cash donations, which the CHCA matched for a total of $120 that went towards stuffing more stockings.

 

A very special thank you to our volunteers Teresa Martin, Jeff Martin, Diana Clipsham, Lisa Stuart, Stacey Stuart, Scott Dougall, Vicki Dougall, Jeff Dooley, Craig Smith, Caitlin Smith and Jerry Walker, and all the staff at the CHRC. Without their help and generosity, we wouldn’t have been able to provide this event. We look forward to hosting a similar Holiday Drop-in next December. We would also like to recognize Starbucks at Erb & Ira Needles for their continued support by providing free and discounted beverages for our events.

 

As many of us take some time off work and school to connect with friends and families to celebrate the season, the CHCA would like to wish you all a safe and relaxing holiday, and a very happy New Year.