Copperas Cove Nursing and Rehab residents celebrate Christmas

By PAMELA GRANT

Cove Leader-Press

Seniors showed off their latest gifts, watches, jewelry, clothes, dolls, and more after Santa paid a visit to Copperas Cove Nursing & Rehabilitation.

Jacqueline Malone brought the spirit of Christmas to life at the nursing home Thursday afternoon. Malone teamed up with friends and several members of her family to serve up a delicious home cooked meal consisting of ham, turkey, dressing, vegetables, sweet potatoes, vegetables, dessert, and more to the residents of Copperas Cove Nursing & Rehabilitation. Throughout the dinner, several of their volunteers sang Christmas carols while several residents gleefully joined in.

“It was really good. I really enjoyed it,” said Sherry Frame. Frame said that she really enjoyed the food and the company. “I really appreciated it. It’s great that they do this.”

Malone said that she and the other volunteers have held a Christmas event for the residents for the last four years. Malone said it’s her way of giving back.

“God blessed us, so we wanted to be a blessing to this community, especially this nursing home,” said Malone. “I just thank God that he blessed us so that we could be a blessing to others.”

“I really enjoyed it,” said Tami Smith. “It’s nice to see the joy on their faces for the home cooked meal first of all, and them enjoying the caroling and singing along.”

Smith volunteered to help with caroling throughout the event, singing a variety of festive songs and encouraging others to join in.

Denise Dabney, the Activity Director for Copperas Cove Nursing & Rehabilitation, said that more than 50 residents came out to the dining area to enjoy the meal. After the meal, Santa stopped by to deliver a variety of brightly wrapped gifts to the residents.

This year, local businesses pitched in and had “Angel Trees” at their locations, to include Amy’s Attic Self Storage, Camp Caylor, and Soggy Doggies, where the trees bore special ornaments. Those who stopped by each business could pick up an ornament, and shop for a nursing home resident. 

“All of these people understand Christmas and why we celebrate Christmas in the first place,” said Dabney. “To have people come in and bring them trinkets or gifts—especially the residents that don’t have anyone—it just really blesses them…When they see Santa, they just light up and smile.”

Dabney said that the residents are always excited when people come in to visit and spend time with them. It reminds them that they are not forgotten.

“I think it was wonderful. The party was very nice. I praise God for all of it,” said Sharon McIntosh. “I feel very blessed that they sing and bring us gifts and such.”

McIntosh said that the party reminded her of when she was a child and got together with friends and sang carols and exchanged gifts. She said that she felt very blessed that Malone and the other volunteers came to the nursing home to celebrate Christmas with her and the other residents.