The holidays should be enjoyed by all, young and more specifically old. The local women’s group, Chit-chat-n-cholocate, has teamed up with Marshfield Fitness and Tanning and the Marshfield Senior Center to ensure that Webster county seniors receive a very merry Christmas.
Visitors of Marshfield Fitness and Tanning should see angles posted along their windows.These angles represent a senior in a care or assisted living facility in the county and a list of three or four items that a resident would like to have. Founder of Chit-Chat, Christy Davenport, is ecstatic about fulfilling a need in the community.
“We felt the need to reach out to seniors. There are so many programs for children in need,” explained Davenport. “We are trying to be the hands and feet of Jesus and reach out these seniors."
Those who pick an angel will purchase the listed items and drop them back off at Marshfield Fitness and Tanning. It is optional to wrap the gifts and those who would rather give money towards the items can do so. The organizations are hoping to have all the angles sponsored by Dec 5.
The fun continues on Dec 18 with crafts, caroling and cocoa. The group will meet at 11 a.m. at the Marshfield Senior Center to make Christmas cards for the residents and run through rehearsal for their later caroling. Around 2 p.m., volunteers will head to Marshfield Care Center and WebCo to begin the festive activities. With COVID precautions still in place, the do-gooders found creative ways to entertain their audience.
“At Marshfield Care we will have masks and have our temperatures took. Following covid guidelines, we are able to carol down the hall and hand out cards individually,” said Davenport. “WebCo we will have the staff deliver the items and actually be caroling outside window to window.”
Residents will be able to enjoy the show from their rooms with the help of staff. The evening will end with volunteers returning to the senior center for cookies and hot chocolate. Davenport wants the public to know this event is open to all.
“This day is open to families and the community,” shared Davenport. “This is a huge blessing to the residents, several tears were shed last year, by both residents and carolers.”
Additionally, the group has partnered with the Marshfield Senior Center. In hope to spread more Christmas cheer, the Senior Center and Chit-chat are putting together care packages for about 80 seniors, who are home bound. Examples of items needed: hygiene products, socks, sugar-free snacks and any item a homebound senior could enjoy. Drop off hours are between Mon - Friday 9 a.m. - 3p.m at the Marshfield Senior Center.
Davenport hopes their efforts shine a light on the need in the community.
“I had no idea there were so many seniors, in our area, that needed a little help,” said Davenport. “I now see why God took us in the direction of blessing seniors this year.”
Those interested in supporting or donating items can join the Chit-chat-n-chocolate Facebook group. For additional information, contact Marshfield Fitness and Tanning at (417) 468-1638 or Marshfield Senior Center at (417) 859-3555.
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