Village Manor - Christmas Volunteer Project

It had been on my heart for years that I needed to spend time volunteering at a nursing home. Finally in January of 2007 I decided to take action. In conjunction with this, I also felt a nagging to do something around the holiday’s that included my friends, to spread some Christmas cheer to the residents at Village Manor, hence the Village Manor - Christmas Volunteer Project came alive. We had approximately 15 volunteers and it was a huge success!

Monday, December 1st, was the first night of VM-CVP (Village Manor Christmas Volunteer Project) and we kicked it off with Jeopardy night along with treats, games and prizes.

My beautful, wonderful, creative mother, the brains behind Jeopardy.

Nick caught flirting with some of the ladies:-) Everyone sat and chatted with the residents to get to know them better. They really appreciate the time we spent just chatting and hanging out with them.

Rachel & Tyler posing with Delmer. Delmer was famous for asking Ria how much it cost her to put those, "stripes" in her hair!

We also played cards with some of the residents.

Ericka, Nick & Ria meeting Leona's bird Chicken! We had to monitor the amount of cookies that chicken was "eating!"

Back Row: Darcy, Rachel, Tyler, Ria, Nick & Ericka. Front Row: Delmer, Leona and Della.

Monday, December 8th. The Bathtub Dogs!!! The Bathtub Dogs were a HUGE hit, the young men are an A cappella group from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. They are a highly sought after group, so we were extremely blessed that they were willing to come and volunteer. One particular touching moment was when a woman wheeled out on her moterized scooter and looked up at them and said, "it's sure nice that you young people remember us old folks around the Holiday's." Another one of the ladies said that it was the best performance they have ever had there! Thank-you Bathtub Dogs, not only are you an amazing singing group but you are also doing great things in the community!

Along with the craze of the Bathtub Dogs we played games, ate cookies and chatted with the residents.

Monday, December 15th was the last evening of volunteering. My cousins Courtney and Maggie helped out by leading "Name that Tune" on the piano. Growing up they were amazing Pianist so I asked them if they would play for us, they did a phenomenal job - Thank-you Courtney & Maggie!!

This was a short simple project, but it went well and those that participated enjoyed it very much, as did the Village residents. Thank-you so much to everyone that gave of your time and your heart. It was truly a blessing to work with you and see how much the residents of Village Manor enjoyed spending time with my precious friends!

Please come back to Village Manor and bring your friends and family to volunteer!