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    Posted December 21, 2012 by
    lew697
    Location
    Longview, Texas
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    BUCKNER WESTMINSTER PLACE RESIDENTS PLAY SANTA FOR 12 CHILDREN IN NEED DURING CHRISTMAS

     
    As a child, did you ever wake up on Christmas morning and not receive a gift from your parents or from Santa Claus? Residents of Buckner Westminster Place, an active senior living community, worked together to make sure that at least 12 children in need do not answer yes to that question this holiday season. They shopped for toys, clothing, shoes, and every day things for kids participating in the Buckner Children and Family Services Adopt a Family program.

    “Some children would not get anything for Christmas if people didn’t help,” said Bonnie Arnold, resident of Buckner Westminster Place. “Children do not understand why they do not get gifts for Christmas while other kids do. Helping these kids brings me joy. If I had been in their situation growing up, I would have hoped someone would have helped me too.”

    Arnold reflected on memories from her childhood and relayed that even during the depression they could expect a gift on Christmas morning. Arnold tried to fathom the reality of being a child without a gift and realized she could not begin to understand what it must be like. Every year, Arnold gives back to children because she places a high value on helping kids.

    “My favorite part was delivering the gifts with my friends from Buckner and seeing the kids’ faces light up with excitement,” says Arnold. “I also enjoyed using my gift wrapping skills,that I developed while working at Sears, to make the presents look magical with big bows and glittery wrapping paper. It’s heartwarming seeing my community spending time together and working to make this Christmas special for the kids.”

    The residents and staff of Buckner Westminster Place gave not only time and energy to this program; they also reached into their own pocketbooks to donate money that went toward purchasing the presents. In addition to these contributions, Buckner Westminster Place provided extra funds to make sure these kids get a Texas size Christmas.

    “It is so important to remember others and give to those who could use our help,” says Blake Lambert, marketing director of Buckner Westminster Place. “We are very fortunate and have everything that we require; so we value assisting others by making sure their needs are met too. The residents and staff planned on making this holiday special for each child we adopted through the program.”


    For more information about Buckner Westminster Place, please visit the community website at www.bucknerwestminster.org or call Blake Lambert at (903) 252-6736.

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