The staff at Troy Health and Rehabilitation Center is gearing up for the Christmas season and the public is invited to be a part of making Christmas merry and bright for the facility’s residents.

The Adopt-A-Resident for Christmas program is open to the public each year and the Troy and Pike County communities have always responded with open hearts, said Jeanette Dawkins, TH&R activities director.

“Santa Claus will visit Troy Health and Rehab on December 16 and will bring presents for our residents,” Dawkins said. “We want to make sure that all of our residents have a special Christmas so we are inviting people in the community to adopt a resident this Christmas season.”

Dawkins said some of the residents don’t have family nearby or family at all. “So they don’t have as many visitors or those extra gifts at Christmastime as other residents,” she said. “Those who would like to adopt a resident this Christmas are invited to call 334-566-0880 or 334-566-0881.”

Those who adopt a resident are given a room number, the gender of the resident and the wish list from the resident who occupies that room. “Those who adopt may choose as many of the items on the wish list as they would like,” Dawkins said. “Most of the lists will include socks, pajamas, lotions, 24-50 piece puzzles, and coloring books and crayons. Some residents wish for CD players and discs of gospel music. Others would like jogging suits – just a variety of items for their comfort and pleasure.”

Those who purchase clothing items for the residents are asked not to gift-wrap them because they have to be unwrapped for labeling.

“We are asking that all gifts be brought to TH&R on or before December 12 so that we can make sure each and every resident has a gift from Santa,” Dawkins said.

Those who adopt a resident for Christmas have a special invitation to attend the TH&R Christmas party at 2 p.m. on December 16.

“The residents always enjoy having visitors, especially at Christmastime,” Dawkins said.   “We are so grateful to be a part of such a loving and giving community. We appreciate those who help us ensure that the residents have the Christmas they deserve.”