‘Adopt a Grandparent in a Nursing Home’ project source of joy

Local nursing home patients received a gift and a hearty dose of holiday cheer when they opened their packages from the sponsors of the Project: Adopt a Grandparent in a Nursing Home for Christmas coordinated by Mary Kay consultants Judy Mehan, of Martin, Tenn., and Jeanie Baker, of Palmersville.

This is the 14th Christmas, the duo has brought gifts and joy to residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and senior living centers in Weakley, Obion and Carroll Counties in Tennessee and Fulton County in Kentucky.

Over 560 gifts and snacks were given -- all sponsored by local businesses both large and small as well as friends, families and local residents.

“Because of the pandemic and how devastating it has been for residents to be confined to their rooms and/or facilities and to have no visitors; making them feel loved and remembered was more important than ever this year. We are so appreciative of our supporters. We could not have done it without you! We humbly thank you,” said Mehan.

Normally the ladies enjoy visiting with every resident but this year they were content to have the nursing home staff play Santa and distribute to the residents’ rooms or at their Christmas party.

Not only residents but the staffs and residents’ families have expressed gratitude for the project. Baker recalled calling to inform an activity director at one facility that they were bringing gifts. “She said no one has ever done this for our people. I am so happy I could cry. You don’t know what this will mean to them,” Baker recalled.

Mehan and Baker hope one day to have gifts for residents of all the facilities in the area.