Adopt-A-Grandparent seeks holiday gifts for seniors

When Barbara Gold makes her visits to Quality Health Care Center, she always totes her big bag. Her children call her Mary Poppins, because she has been known to pull all sorts of items from this magic bag.

Gold is the founder of Adopt-A-Grandparent, a program that encourages residents to visit and spend time with the senior citizens in the community, especially those in nursing homes and those without family nearby.

"Nothing in our life is promised, and I’m sure these last years in a nursing home were not what they had planned on, but it’s up to our communities that we teach the young the value of our elders and not forget they were the builders, the teachers, the neighbors and so much more that are sometimes forgotten," Gold said.

She frequently visits the residents at Quality, and she always asks them if they need anything. She carries shampoo, body wash, puzzle books, candy, cookies and many other essential items that are requested.

"This one woman likes M&Ms, but she only likes the caramel kind," Gold said. "So, I take her caramel M&Ms."

Another enjoys getting a new tube of lipstick.

William Lytle, a veteran and gifted storyteller, is never without a puzzle book in his hands.

"It was about them having someone," she said. "I found that a lot of them had a lot of needs. … They don't have money to buy essentials. … They are stuck there," Gold said. "They don't have opportunities to do anything or go anywhere. I get very emotional about it."

Gold has come to love and respect the residents, and she regularly prays with the ones who ask for prayer time.

"They talk about their families," she said. "Some of them have such depth. Their lives meant something; their lives changed who we are as a society."

Gold and one of her daughters want to create a journal filled with the wisdom imparted by the residents. The idea came to them after visiting with one resident, Arline Jankowich, who told them: "You have no idea of the wisdom that is trapped within these walls."

"We realized how true this was," Gold said. "We want to ask questions, the things that our parents tell us when we're 10 years old and we ignore."

Partnering with the community has helped Gold spread this kindness. Zurich American Insurance Company helps Gold collect donations, and Hope Church has distributed Bibles and flowers. CrossFit Winter Garden, 14179 W. Colonial Drive, serves as a drop-off point for donations.

Gold said anyone wanting to donate items or wishing to participate in the visits can contact her on the group's Facebook page or at [email protected]. Likewise, anyone can give Gold the name of a wheelchair-bound senior who is in need of basic necessities.

Visits are scheduled for 2:45 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of the month. Participants meet in the front lobby of Quality Health Care.

Some residents want someone to talk to, others want to have a book read to them, Gold said. Visitors can help with bingo games or entertain residents with musical instruments or dance routines.

Gold is planning to give some extra love and gifts this Christmas, and Dec. 6 is the deadline to make a donation. She is looking for toiletries, prepackaged baked goods, sugar-free candy, lap blankets, socks, large-print books and word games.

"These people are still worthy of making a difference," Gold said. "We can't forget the people who helped form our life."