With many nursing homes unable to allow visitors, residents often go without seeing loved ones over the holidays. Students in DACC’s Future Health Professionals Organization rallied for the second year in a row to collect donations for the Adopt a Senior for Christmas effort.
Tyler, a student in the Pharmacy Technician program, shared that this drive means a lot to him because of his personal experience. “During COVID, I had a good friend in a nursing home and saw how hard it was for them to be alone.”
McKayla added that this isn’t something you think about until you see it yourself. In addition to attending class in the Health Technology program, McKayla works in a long-term care facility. “I see every day how it affects residents to not have family nearby. The holidays are an especially hard time.”
Donations were taken to the Country Club Rehabilitation Campus where each resident received a gift basket, holiday cards, and encouraging notes. The activities center also received twenty games for residents to share.
For Anoofhka, she is glad to have the opportunity to give. “I feel very fortunate that I don’t have to think about whether I’ll see my family or get a gift at Christmas, so I feel driven to give to those who don’t have everything I’m able to have.”