ST. PAUL - While it may be tough to connect face-to-face this holiday season, efforts are still being made to make sure local seniors feel appreciated this Christmas.
St. Paul resident Missy Finlay says she was inspired by a project she saw taking place in Grande Prairie where residents could purchase items - or stocking stuffers - for seniors. A Christmas tree has now been set up at Catalyst Pharmacy in St. Paul, and hanging on the tree are tags with items that seniors in the community have on their Christmas wish list.
Residents can grab a tag off the tree and purchase the item for the senior, leaving it at the pharmacy with the tag. Staff at Catalyst Pharmacy will then coordinate getting the gifts to the seniors.
Finlay says she would love to see more seniors call or stop by the pharmacy to be added to the tree, and she encourages residents who are able to purchase items to do so.
"Our community members can show how much we care for these folks by purchasing the items on the list and leaving them at the pharmacy," explains Finlay,
When asked why Finlay decided to help organize the Stocking Stuffers for Seniors project, she explains that when she was growing up, her mom worked at a senior's home.
"She'd bring me in often to visit at the home she worked in, and I had dozens of extra grandparents. I loved to visit with Grandpa Bert with the stuffed duck he carried around. I loved to hang out with Grandma Margaret who always had lemon hard candies for me," recalls Finlay.
She says she and her husband have tried to instill that same love of seniors in their own children by visiting Sunnyside Manor for coffee and crafts, when they are able to do so.
"We love our dear friends there and can't wait to be back visiting them again (when) it's safe to do so," says Finlay.
To get involved in the Stocking Stuffers for Seniors, call (780) 614-3210 by Dec. 16.
