This year, the community surrounding the three Caring Places Central Oregon communities (Chinook Place, Carriage Place, and Awbrey Place) will be participating in Project Central Oregon Stockings program – a volunteer program that makes and delivers stocking stuffers to seniors in the assisted living communities.
Community members will be collecting stocking stuffers, hand-making items, and collaborating to put together stockings to be delivered to 19 senior living residents throughout central Oregon.
Project Central Oregon Stockings Program Origins
When Taylor Garr-Jones, the director of the nursing service at Caring Places Management, mentioned to her mom, Cheryl Garr, how unfortunate it was that some senior residents had no family or visitors during the holidays, Cheryl immediately got to work. Cheryl wanted to do something to make the seniors feel loved and cared for during the holidays, so she started the program back in 2020.
Initially, the program was launched within the three Caring Place Management communities, and residents received a stocking during the holidays. However, last year, the program caught on and spread far beyond the Caring Place community.
Residents in central Oregon stepped up, and community members participated in making stockings and stocking stuffers. Now, seniors in most central Oregon assisted living and memory care communities will receive a stocking stuffer this holiday season.
What started as a simple conversation has now become a major endeavor that benefits seniors throughout the area.
The Impact of the Project Central Oregon Stockings Program for Seniors
While most people associate the holidays with spending quality time with family, that’s unfortunately not the reality for some seniors. Some senior living residents do not have family or do not have family in the area, and the holidays can be a lonely time.
Receiving a stocking or stocking stuffer is a small but meaningful gesture that shows that the community cares about them. Most residents are not expecting any extra gifts, so receiving a stocking from the community can be quite a surprise.
Project Central Oregon Stockings program doesn’t just fill stockings with candy, knick-knacks, and generic items. Stocking stuffers include hand-made items, handwritten notes, and other personalized items curated by community members. These gifts carry a lot of meaning and can make a big difference to seniors during the holidays.
Passing on Kindness
Since the Project Central Oregon Stockings program has expanded, younger generations have become involved. Students from local schools have been handwriting cards, drawing pictures, and making items as stocking stuffers. Some of the items children made have had the biggest impact on seniors in previous years.
Not only is the program a great way to perform an act of kindness for seniors, but it is teaching younger generations about service and appreciation. Children learn about philanthropy, giving back to older generations, and the value of giving personalized attention and thought to a gift.
The program also brings awareness to the senior living community and may inspire community members to volunteer during other times of the year.
Get Involved!
The Project Central Oregon Stockings Program is always looking for new volunteers to get involved. Organizing materials, volunteers, and deliveries for seniors throughout the community takes a lot of effort. From purchasing materials to sewing stockings to making stuffers, there is plenty of work to be done.
Aside from hand-made items, community members can donate a number of items that can be used in the stockings. Some suggestions are:
- Activity books
- Candy
- Playing cards
- Magazines
- Gloves
- Ornaments
- Stickers
- Lotion
- Chapstick
- Snacks
Whether you want to volunteer for a whole week or can only spare a moment to drop off a donation, every bit helps. Volunteers in the program have made lasting connections, and volunteering is a great way to get to know your neighbors in central Oregon.
The program is also a good introduction to volunteer work for kids. Allowing kids to do something they enjoy (like making crafts or writing) while also giving back to the community can be a great way to get them interested in philanthropy. You can also make it a family affair and invite everyone to an evening of stocking stuffing!
About Caring Places Management
Caring Places Management is committed to realizing the full potential of its residents and communities. We are always looking for ways to improve and make our communities even better.
Loving care defines our mission, and we use thoughtful communication and a personal touch with all our community members. We’ve been in the industry for 30 years and are committed to forging ahead and blazing a new trail for senior living.
We understand that healthy senior living means more than just staying physically well. We empower our residents to stay independent, focus on their overall wellness, and thoroughly enjoy retirement.
The Project Central Oregon Stockings Program is just one example of our attention and care to our residents. To learn more about the communities and services at Caring Places, give us a call today.
