Operation Christmas Card Delivers Holiday Cheer to Seniors

(KNSI) – Volunteers packed and delivered 300 care packages on Thursday for residents at area nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

The effort, called Operation Christmas Card, is in its third year. Doris Westra, a consultant with Leighton Media who helped coordinate the program, told KNSI News the initiative addresses a growing problem, social isolation among seniors in long-term care facilities. “We found out that for some of these people, we’re the only visitors they actually get during the holiday season. So, we want to make sure that they’re feeling the love. And we decided to do blankets because it’s universal. Everybody loves a good blanket. And we just want them to wrap themselves in that blanket and feel all the holiday spirit.”

Each package includes handwritten cards collected over several weeks at Batteries Plus and blankets donated by St. Cloud Financial Credit Union. Between 800 and 1,000 cards were written by community members this year. Volunteers don’t just drop off the cards and packages. They spend time visiting with residents, which organizers say is often the most meaningful part of the effort.

Bernie Perryman, CEO of Batteries Plus, said the program started when Westra approached her with the idea of collecting holiday cards for nursing home residents. Perryman immediately connected with the concept, having missed some Christmases with her mother and grandmother when they were in nursing homes due to her work travel schedule. “I know how I felt when I couldn’t be with them. I can only imagine that someone that can’t see family for, one reason or another might, feel a little lonely. This is a little bit of a pick-me-up.”

Jake Judd/KNSI News

Batteries Plus locations in St. Cloud and Sauk Rapids accepted card donations from the public over several weeks. Deliveries went to eight facilities in St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Sartell, and Waite Park. They included stops at Wildwood Assisted Living, Good Shepherd in Sauk Rapids, Sterling Park, Country Manor, Cherrywood, Ridgeview Place, The Sanctuary, and Nature’s Point.

A 2020 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that social isolation significantly increased the risk of premature death and was associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety in older people.

Westra said organizers hope to expand the program in the coming years and are looking for more community partners. Those interested can contact Leighton Media.

KNSI News is owned and operated by Leighton Media.

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