Christmas store helps elderly to share in the giving spirit

Residents of Pleasant Hill, Mo. and nearby towns are again organizing a free Christmas store for those living at local senior living facilities.

A Christmas store will be held at Pleasant Hill Bristol Manor, Golden Years Nursing Home, Adrian Nursing Home, Adrian Crystal Manor, & Raymore Bristol Manor on Dec. 14.

This will be the 13th year for the effort which began at one location in Oak Grove.

Christie McCarty, one of the organizers, says it’s an opportunity for the seniors and disabled there to shop for gifts for their family and friends for free.

Volunteers get donated items ready for residents.

In a Facbook post, McCarty says “most of the money our seniors get each month goes to paying for their care with little left to shop for family and friends. This store is offered entirely by donations and volunteers.”

Over the years, donations have declined and the organizers are seeking assistance with a call to the community.

New, store-purchased or handmade gifts are being sought.

The post says that some of the most popular gifts are fuzzy blankets, lap blankets, house slippers, perfume/cologne, watches, sports memorabilia (Royals, Chiefs, MU etc.), board games and chocolate covered cherries.

The effort will be made available to about 11 seniors that call Bristol home.

“If you attend a church or organization in the area, would you mind sharing this opportunity with them to see if they would be willing to support this store by donating gifts? Scouts, 4-H, women’s/men’s Organizers say that residents always appreciate the opportunity.

“The smiles our seniors have shopping and giving gifts are priceless!” says McCarty.

McCarty says the response has been tremendous and, with new donations, they’ll be expanding to additional locations this year.

Anyone wishing to donate items can contact Christie at 816-739-4588.

Christie