Posted by Rose (65.142.127.69) on August 24, 2003 at 12:35:50:
In Reply to: Christmas Ideas posted by Cortney on August 24, 2003 at 10:12:42:
: Whats everyone do for christmas? What about gifts for the residents?
Starting In Sept . I send out my Christmas Wish list to Family, Volunteers and churches . Then I also talk to different Business and see if I can Gift wrap and box and bring it in for people to put gifts in and go by once a week and pick Items up I do this is Nov. I have all gifts donated un wraped and then go through every thing and match up residents with the gifts and mark all Items before I wrap (Yes you are taking a chance that someone may pass away) The first of Dec. I send out Invations to the residents family for A special Christmas party for the residents and family. We do a full meal to Saw and chips , Veg TRAYS ECT depends on Your Dietary Dept. Family members must call and you have to stress this and have them only call you or one other person who you know will keep track of what resident and how many Guest. The year before last I had 20 extra show up and that wasn't fun. This last year had 85 family members come to the party the Dining room was full and we had to use the front lobby .
Then Santa comes and give out the gifts at the party and then goes room to room. Each resident get 4 to 6 gifts and we wrap them all together ..Ask Central Supply to start saving you med to lg boxes to put the gifts in...Also I start wrapping the week before the party and keep all items locked up..It would be good if you can find a few Volunteers to help with all of this or if you have a family support group it would be something they can help with......