CULLMAN, Ala. – The East Cullman Baptist Association is preparing for its annual Nursing Home Ministry Christmas Store. The program offers nursing home residents the opportunity to experience the joy of giving gifts during the holiday season.
Debbie Nail, director of East Cullman Women on Missions, helps coordinate the effort across four local nursing homes. She said the ministry exists to give residents, many of whom have little or no personal income, the ability to gift Christmas presents to their loved ones.
“People are so faithful to bring gifts to residents at Christmas, but the residents don’t usually have the opportunity to reciprocate. This allows them to select two or three items for their family members. Our volunteers wrap the gifts for them, so when their loved ones visit, they have something meaningful to give,” said Nail.
Local churches collect items for the stores, particularly popular items such as throw blankets, insulated cups, hats, kitchen sets, lotions and other new, practical items, though any gift is appreciated. Donations are being accepted through the end of the month at the ECBA Ministry Resource Center.
While volunteer opportunities are limited to mission groups already partnered with specific nursing homes, churches and community members can still support the ministry by donating items or contacting the association office for drop-off details.
Nail said the impact of the event is often deeply emotional for both residents and volunteers. She recalled one moment involving a hummingbird figurine that sat unchosen in the store for several years until a resident, brought in at the last moment, walked straight to it. “He picked it up and said, ‘My wife loves hummingbirds,'” Nail said. “We all cried. It was clear that the gift had been waiting there for him.”
For more information about donating, contact the ECBA Ministry Resource Center at 256-737-9918.
