Residents Jeanne Salerno, Bonnie Stewart, and Joan Divish opening their gift box. Photo by Samuel Snow

By Samuel Snow

Residents of Highland Manor and Beehive Homes recently received gifts through the annual “Christmas in July” event  hosted by Colonial Property Management.

Tiara Lisk, supervising community manager at Colonial Property Management, said this is their 12th year hosting “Christmas in July” at Highland Manor, and their third year at Beehive Homes.

According to Lisk, the program originally began as an idea to help replenish some ot the special care items that Highland Manor residents usually receive at Christmas time. Beehive Homes was added to the program in the 9th year. With the cooperation and efforts of the facilities, including Carrie at Highland Manor and Vicki at Beehive Homes, they are able to know what the residents need every year, said Lisk.

 

Photo by Samuel Snow

Sarah Magruder is a caregiver at Beehive Homes.

“The residents look forward to this every year,”  Magruder said. “They received shower supplies, an outfit, snacks. Some of them got lap blankets and scarves and some got socks and pajamas. Everything is brand new with tags on it and they thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Lisk has been in charge of the shopping, preparing and organizing of the items for the gift boxes that are prepared and delivered to Highland Manor and Beehive Homes. She said they are given information about each resident’s likes, wish lists, favorite colors, snacks, sizes and items needed most. Each box that is made is personalized for each resident, and opening their gifts with them and seeing their excitement is something that brings them all a great amount of joy.

Beehive Homes resident Bonnie Stewart was excited about the event.

“ My favorite part is being with friends,” Stewart said. “We all get presents and open them,  but having you’re friends with you is more special because you can talk to them and have fun together. What I got was clothes and a shawl. I also got perfume and body stuff for when you bathe. Everybody’s box was different.”

The facilities really embrace the event and decorate for Christmas.The Colonial Team along with volunteers such as The Mesquite Showgirls and Santa and Mrs. Clause all participate to make the event memorable. Many residents claim they like Christmas in July better than Christmas in December, said Lisk.

Colonial Property Management receives  amazing support for the program through their donors who donate every year and make it possible to fill the wish lists and replenish comfort and care items for the residents, Lisk said.

“We don’t take this support for granted,” Lisk said. “We put a lot of thought and effort into using these donations wisely in preparing a gift designed to bring as much joy as possible to the Highland Manor and Beehive residents.”