(Featured photo is of Quinn Shelt with students from Grovetown High School who made cards for nursing home residents in 2022.)
(Disclaimer: Columns often contain opinions. All opinions are those of the author.)
It’s that time of year again! The Christmas cards are overflowing your mailbox, and you find ways to creatively display them on your fridge or your living room mantle. The good tidings and well wishes fill your heart with joy and warmth. Christmas cards are a hallmark of the season.
Unfortunately, residents in nursing homes and assisted living homes are often forgotten about when it comes to the annual tradition of sending out Christmas cards. I grew up with my mother volunteering in nursing homes across the Central Savannah River Area, and this time of year was always so special to them. I believe they should be able to receive the same good tidings we send to our neighbors. This is why I started an annual holiday card drive to benefit our area’s nursing home and assisted living residents who are housed in these facilities.
Last year, we collected 617 cards from various community members and schools. We were able to spread holiday cheer to six different nursing homes and celebrate the cultures of each resident. I was able to deliver each card to the different nursing homes and heard directly from the staff that these cards were helpful in lifting the spirits of each resident, and that they could not wait for the next year!
This year, we are looking to top that number and hopefully reach 10 nursing homes. I am collecting Christmas cards, Hanukkah cards, Kwanzaa cards and holiday cards. We want everyone to have an opportunity to feel loved and thought about.
The deadline to collect these holiday cards is Dec. 20, 2023. Please email me at quinnshelt1@gmail.com to coordinate a drop off or pick up.
Quinn Shelt served as Miss Augusta 2022. The University of Georgia graduate is an advocate for the elderly and volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Association.
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