Many residents won’t be able to see their families because of COVID-19
Sundale Long Term Care and Rehabilitation in Morgantown has launched its annual holiday present drive for its 85 residents, many of whom won’t be able to see their families this holiday season because of COVID-19 safety concerns.
“Many times our residents don’t have families, or their families live far away,” said Donna Tennant, Sundale’s admissions and marketing director. “We want to make sure everyone gets a gift so their holiday can be brighter.”
The nursing home is asking the public to either “adopt” a resident and purchase items from his or her wish list. Or, Tennant said, items on patients’ wish lists can be donated. Some of the more popular items include stuffed animals, large boxes of tissues, moisturizing body washes, night gowns and pajamas, socks, jigsaw puzzles, and wall calendars. Candy, especially homemade candy, is popular, she added.
“They really like simple things,” she said. “It’s really a lonely time for a lot of our residents. To know that someone was thinking of them has an awesome effect.”
The average age of a Sundale resident is 85 and most are female. Tennant said the gifts will be distributed at a Dec. 23 holiday party, and each patient will also have a gift at the foot of their bed on Christmas morning.
“It will be there when they wake up,” she said.
Organizations and individuals can call the Sundale’s Presents for Patients hotline at 304-599-5771 or email Tennant at dtennant@sundalecare.com and leave a request for the number of patients, and male or female. Donations can also be left at the front door of the facility, J.D. Anderson Drive, Morgantown. Donations can also be made through Amazon and will be delivered directly to Sundale.
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