Local residents can bring the joy of Christmas to individuals who might not be with family during the holidays by making a donation to Nursing Home Christmas.
The program was started in 1998 by Kelly Marlowe.
“My late mother was a resident at NHC Healthcare and I noticed the ladies in laundry and housekeeping were taking money out of their paychecks and pooling together for some kind of fund,” said Marlowe.
Marlowe inquired as to what the fund was for and was told many of the residents at the nursing home had little to no family left and would have no Christmas gifts given to them.
“It made a big impression on me and I passed it onto my radio boss, Thorold Ramsey,” said Marlowe. “He was also impressed and gave us the go ahead to put on the air a plea for people to help with a Nursing Home Christmas.”
The initial effort raised $600. Today, thanks to community support, the program raises up to $9,000 annually that is used to provide a brighter Christmas for both NHC Healthcare and Raintree Manor residents.
Marlowe says 100 percent of the money donated goes directly to residents.
“Every dollar goes to Raintree Manor and NHC Healthcare residents,” said Marlowe. “We have no administrative costs. I want to thank all the wonderful people, churches and all the others who have helped all of these years.”
Donations are currently being accepted. They can be mailed to Nursing Home Christmas, 230 West Colville Street, McMinnville, Tenn., 37110 or dropped off at Peg Broadcasting.