It has long been part of Wesbury’s tradition that every resident receives a Christmas present to open on Christmas day. While many residents enjoy going out or receiving visits from family, this is not true for all. In past years staff has played the part of Secret Santa, but this year the Life Enrichment Department at Grace Rehabilitation and Health Center decided to raise funds in advance for the purchase of gifts to better ensure every resident received a present on Christmas morning. The project began last March with the “Pot of Gold” campaign where staff, volunteers, and visitors were encouraged to drop their change in the Leprechaun’s Pot located at the Grace Switchboard. They continued in summer and fall with various bake sales and finished the year with “Casual for Christmas” Fridays, where all Wesbury staff could dress down for the day by paying two dollars per person. Wesbury’s Sunset Auxiliary also joined Life Enrichment in providing monies from their various fundraising efforts for the Christmas endeavor.

As the holiday approached, the Life Enrichment team raised more than $1,800 for resident Christmas gifts. “We are so pleased with the support we received from all around campus and beyond,” says Melissa Swartwood, Director of Life Enrichment and Volunteer Services. “The season is about giving, and there is such a warm feeling in knowing that no resident at Grace will be forgotten at Christmas.”

For 2019, the Life Enrichment team is planning to raise even more throughout the year. “We are looking to kick start the year off in raising funds for residents,” says Life Enrichment Assistant, Danielle Adkins. “We are planning to extend our casual days year-round to theme days and maybe even more opportunities for visitors to help us support Wesbury residents.”

Please check back to Wesbury’s Facebook page and Website for future details on fundraising opportunities to help support the Resident Christmas gift fund.

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