Christmas came early for the residents at Troy Health and Rehabilitation Center Friday as Santa Claus paid them a visit long before dinnertime.

Santa visited the residents’ rooms and delivered gifts especially for them and then paid the residents a second surprise visit during their Christmas party in the afternoon.

“For our residents, today was a very special day,” said Jeanette Dawkins, TH&R activities director. “Every resident got a visit for Santa and they really enjoyed having Santa come just to them. It makes them feel really special.

“Then, they all come together in the afternoon for the singing of Christmas carols, another visit from Santa and a party that they all looked forward to and enjoyed.”

Dawkins expressed appreciation to the family and friends who participated in TH&R Adopt-a-Resident program and helped make it such a great success.

“Every resident received gifts from their wish list and they were excited to have presents to open,” she said.

The Adopt-a-Resident program provides an opportunity to local residents to help make Christmas special for the TH&R residents.

“Those who participated receive a wish list from a male or female and his or her room number,” Dawkins said. “And, they chose gifts to buy from the wish lists. The response this year was outstanding. We had people calling and asking what they could do for our residents. It was very encouraging for so many people to reach out to our residents.”

Dawkins said the community’s support of the residents at TH&R is an indication of the caring spirit of the people of Pike County and it is greatly appreciated.

Santa Claus said TH&R is one of his favorite places to visit and the residents there are special people who exemplify what Christmas is about – love for one another.