It takes a village!

When we are young, the village is our parents and close friends and family who help provide care. As we get a bit older, the village still remains our family and friends, but it may extend to our neighbors and others who can help us in our time of need. As we age, that village starts to get smaller as kids move away or friends and family are no longer around. The elderly are one of the most underserved populations in our country, and they are in most need of a village. I’d like to show my children that there is always an opportunity to help support others, to give back, and to have a fulfilled heart. This year for Christmas, I decided to give to the community and help the nursing home of Landmark Nursing Center in Hammond, Louisiana. There are 152 residents that I would like to support this Christmas. I’m asking if the community would like to help by donating items to the nursing home. All donations could be picked up in the area, downtown Hammond, or Ponchatoula. Or dropped off at my residence in Pumpkin Center. The deadline for donations will be December 18, 2023. Thank you for your generosity and support. A lot of residents need personal care items, and not everything is provided for them. There can be needs for underpads, beds, and other personal care items that residents need, and the costs of these products really add up for people on a fixed income. They make great donation items. Good-quality lotions and lip balms are items that many elderly nursing home residents need and would really appreciate. Wouldn't it be nice to give them a pretty, warm fleece blanket? There are so many nice blankets for sale at low prices; these would make a great donation! Also, diabetic socks Many nursing home residents have diabetes, and these are the best types of socks for them. Try to get the type that has slip-resistant soles to help prevent falls. Baby Wipes and Facial Tissues: These are handy for small cleanup jobs such as wiping faces and hands before mealtime. Stationery: Many people love to send letters to those they love. Be sure to include envelopes, stamps, etc. Then you can be a penpal! Be sure to also include an address book with loved ones’ addresses already filled in. You can also include seasonal greeting cards. Large Print Books: Many people love to read, so donating books is a great idea. Be sure they are large prints, though, so that as many residents can enjoy them as possible. Crossword puzzles and magazines. Puzzles and board games Keeping their minds active is especially important for warding off dementia, and playing through a few rounds of Candy Land would definitely put a smile on their face at the same time! Personal items such as daily hygiene needs like soap, shampoo, hairbrushes, etc. are always a good donation to make to a nursing home. Many residents also love receiving stuffed animals. Individually wrapped snacks are always a great treat for the elderly. Gift bags and tissue paper would also be great as a donation to help with the gifts. I would like to thank the community and all my supporters for their generosity and donations to help the community of the nursing home residence of Landmark Nursing Home.