Project Holiday Cheer Brings Joy to Long Term Care Residents
November 15, 2024
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The holiday season is upon us, bringing about a sense of unity. It’s the time of year when communities come together to spread joy and warmth to others. This season truly has a unique way of bringing out the spirit of giving, reminding us of the power of kindness and generosity. That’s why Senior Services Plus (SSP) is excited to be participating in Project Holiday Cheer (PHC) this year.
SSP has partnered with 
VOYCE, a St. Louis-based organization that advocates for quality care in long-term care facilities, to bring Project Holiday Cheer to life. The goal of PHC is to collect handwritten holiday cards to deliver to residents of long-term care facilities across the greater St. Louis region. VOYCE will work in collaboration specifically with SSP’s Ombudsman program, which advocates for the rights of those living in long term care settings, to oversee this project.
We want to bring this holiday cheer to long-term care facilities because most residents feel isolated from the community that is outside the walls they reside in. “Few residents have family or friends who visit frequently,” says Tracie Ramel-Smith, Regional Ombudsman at SSP, “It leaves many residents feeling forgotten by the community they were once a vital part of.”
Just one handwritten card from a community member can give the residents a sense of connection and acknowledgement that someone is thinking of them during the holidays. “Taking the time to write a card for a resident may seem like a small gesture, but the impact a simple card has on a resident goes a long way,” says Tracie.
In 2023, SSP and VOYCE were able to collect 48,138 cards to distribute- roughly 8,000 over their goal! This year, we are once again aiming to gather 40,000 holiday cards to ensure that no resident goes without one. SSP is currently accepting donations of handwritten holiday cards, which can be dropped off at our donation box in the lobby of our main building. Individuals, groups, or organizations are all welcome to participate or donate unused holiday cards for distribution. Cards must be dropped off by no later than Friday, December 13th.
So, grab your pens, find those extra holiday cards lying around, and help us provide some joy to the long-term care residents of our community. A little bit can go a long way!
If you have questions about Project Holiday Cheer or wish to schedule a pickup of cards, please contact Tracie Ramel-Smith, Regional Ombudsman, at 618-465-3298 ext. 127 or tsmith@seniorservicesplus.org.
Senior Services Plus, Inc.
Senior Services Plus (SSP) is committed to creating inclusive, diverse, and equitable environments for all. With open arms, we strive to foster a sense of belonging where everyone is valued. As a board, as a staff, and as volunteers we welcome the contributions and participation of all people. We recognize and celebrate that everyone has unique abilities, needs, and experiences and we acknowledge the important of diversity in all its forms. SSP is dedicated to ensuring fair treatment, equity of opportunity, and impartiality in access to information and resources for all. SSP is actively engaged in identifying and dismantling racist and oppressive behaviors, policies, and practices to advance justice and create a more inclusive and equitable society.