We pass assisted living and memory care communities every day without giving much thought to the people who live there. Residents rely on each other and the staff around them, forming routines, friendships and small circles of familiarity. During the holidays, many residents can feel lonely, especially if thier families live far away or are no longer able to visit.
That quieter season is what led Melissa Denham, a dementia specialist who has worked closely with seniors, to start the Silver Tree Project after the idea came to her last November while she was at home listening to Christmas music.
“Angel Tree programs support children during the holidays,” she says. “But I couldn’t stop thinking about seniors who might be overlooked during the same season. I’ve always loved working with seniors, and I knew this was something I could help with.”
That same night, Melissa applied online to become a 501(c)(3) and shared the idea in a local Facebook Word of Mouth group. She expected modest interest. Instead, donations and volunteers stepped forward almost immediately.
“My initial goal was to visit 50 seniors,” she says. “With help from my family, we ended up delivering gifts and spending time with nearly 120 individuals across three facilities.”…