Joy multiplied with nursing home shopping network_11204

Posted: 1/09/04

Joy multiplied with nursing home shopping network

By George Henson

Staff Writer

WIMBERLEY–The elderly woman's eyes lit up as she saw the baby doll on top of a pile of plush animals. She scooted across the room as quickly as her paddling feet could pull her wheelchair, never taking her eyes from her prize.

Finally, wheelchair next to the table, she reached for the doll. But her fingers barely reached the bottom of the box–not enough to grasp it.

She settled back briefly into her wheelchair, her eyes firmly locked on the baby perched above. Then she propelled herself out of the chair, grabbed the blond-haired, blue-eyed doll and fell back into the chair.

Turning the doll to face her, she brushed the hair back from its eyes, and the smile on her face shone even more brilliantly than the light still blazing in her eyes.

Days later, a little girl received the doll for Christmas unwrapped. Her grandmother said it was much too beautiful to cover up.

Such joy multiplied as the 112 residents of Deer Creek of Wimberley nursing home did their Christmas shopping free of charge, thanks to donations from First Baptist Church, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and the local Lion's Club.

Residents of the nursing home selected four gifts, enabling them to give something to friends and family and participate fully in the holiday.

2003 was the eighth year the Woman's Missionary Union at First Baptist Church in Wimberley participated in the ministry. It marked the second year for the Episcopal church to participate and the first year for the Lions.

The WMU members wrapped the gifts, complete with gift tags. They also stocked a refreshment table with punch and cookies.

Shoppers could keep their selections for themselves.

“They might take something for themselves, and that's fine, because even though we hope it's not the case, it might be the only gift they receive,” said Mary Kate Riddle, WMU president at the Wimberley church.

Some of the gift selections were new, and others were gently used, according to Tess Wilson, organizer of the event for the last three years. When making her plea for contributions, “I just ask them to think what condition they would like to receive a gift in,” she said.

Church members start bringing gifts for the bazaar in October, putting them in a box at the church, Smith said.

She empties the box quickly so people can see it is empty and be encouraged to refill it. She stores the gifts at her home until the big day and sorts them into categories such as jewelry, books, purses and billfolds, socks and more general items, making “shopping” easier for the residents.

Dorothy Arthur, who has participated since the ministry began, said the bazaar is an important part of her holiday season.

“I like to see these people find things for themselves and others. They just seem to enjoy it so much,” she said.

Betty Flournoy, who took care of the refreshment table this year after years as a wrapper, said the fact that many recipients of the ministry are long-time residents of the community and friends makes it even more special.

The bazaar is a definite blessing to the residents, said Kimberley Flores, assistant activities director at Deer Creek.

“They don't get to get out to do this, so to bring this to them so they can participate in the traditions of Christmas and do their own shopping–their faces are all just lit up. This is wonderful.”