EngAGE Program Directors have made a special effort this year to make the holiday season a happy one for our community residents. There have been door decorating contests, surprise gifts of hot chocolate and handmade ornaments, a surprise decorated tree in a community room. We hope you’ll visit our Facebook Page to see the many photographs we have posted there.
There’s one holiday event that we always enjoy highlighting. Every year for the past decade, Program Director Elizabeth Sampson, who serves several communities in the San Fernando Valley, also generously has volunteered to make sure the children at Vermont Family Apartments in Los Angeles receive gifts. (The Vermont apartments were designed especially for grandparents caring for their grandchildren.) Elizabeth has spearheaded an annual Toy Drive with the help of The Road Theatre Company, of which she’s been a member for over twenty years. There’s usually a big holiday party arranged by Vermont Program Director Sandra Vargas, with lots of food, music, and Santa in attendance to hand out the gifts. But this year, with the pandemic upending everyone’s plans, Elizabeth had concerns:
I was afraid that the Toy Drive wouldn’t do well this year because everyone knows that all actors and performers have been affected by this virus. But the Roadies have outdone themselves. I raised more money by almost $600 – I raised just over $2,000. It is incredible. One of the Roadies (a beautiful actor named Jonathan Nichols, who donates $200 every year), this year gave $400 and wanted to know if we were doing anything for the parents. Well. Because of him and the higher amount, we were able to give not only a wrapped present to all 42 children under the age of 13, and a $20 Walmart gift card to all 14 of the teenagers between 13 and 16, but we also were able to give gift cards to all 49 apartments (families) for groceries for a holiday meal. Sandra picked up the toys and got the Walmart gift cards, and then she wrapped all of those presents herself (!!!) for hand delivery, door-to-door (masked and distanced).
Sandra shared her thoughts:
I have to say that this year the residents’ reactions were priceless. I placed the gifts on the floor in front of their apartments and rang the doorbell. When the door was opened, to see the expressions on their faces was all for me. Some cried and others laughed for joy. Sorry I couldn’t catch those moments to share with you. To keep social distancing, I would step away, then ask if I could take a picture. Most agreed, and I am glad to say that all of them were happy to see that EngAGE had come through again this year. All 49 units received a $25 gift card towards groceries. This surprised them, and brought tears of happiness to some of them.
Happy Holidays to all from EngAGE!
