BELLA VISTA — Smiles crept across the faces of senior citizens living at the Concordian Retirement Center here as Buddy, the resident Pomeranian, led a group of children delivering Christmas presents through the facility.
Each child carried with them two white bags loaded with presents for the seniors who, more often than not, are forgotten about in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, Capt. Kisha Carr of the Salvation Army in Rogers said.
Carr delivered presents to 114 senior citizens in Benton County and more than 950 wheelchair caddies on Tuesday as a part of the Salvation Army’s Senior Angel Tree program.
“The angels in this age group are just happy to have something and they are not too concerned about what they get just so long as someone remembers them,” Carr said.
When Glenn Presley, a resident at Concordia, opened his door Tuesday, he was surprised to see Carr, the children helping her and a gift with his name on it.
“Gee. Gee. Thank you, thank you. Merry Christmas,” Presley said as he opened his present to find pajamas, a blanket and other clothing items.
“This is just great. I have had such a bountiful Christmas this year,” Presley said as the tears started to well up in his eyes.
He wished each of the children a Merry Christmas and thanked them for visiting him.
“I have enjoyed 90 Christmases so far and I am looking forward to seeing all of you next year,” Presley said.
For many of the seniors, getting a visit meant more than the wrapped packages.
“The visits really make them feel like a part of the community and like they are not forgotten,” Pat Wilsey, activity director for Concordia, said.
As Kathy Bageant, a volunteer with the Salvation Army, walked behind the children, she could not help but notice the faces of the residents.
“Their faces just light up when we come in. It’s like the kids and the residents have a special connection,” Bageant said, “It is just wonderful.”
Each of the presents given to the seniors was wrapped and delivered by the children who attend the Salvation Army’s church. For them, the experience is about learning to give back to their community, Carr said.
“It is teaching them at an early age about volunteering and giving. You are never too young to volunteer,” Carr said.
Carr’s own daughter, Bobilyn, 5, delivered two presents at Concordia on Tuesday before boarding the Salvation Army’s white bus to deliver gifts at 14 additional area nursing homes on Tuesday.
“Just traveling around, you really do feel like Santa Claus. I have got my very own white sleigh and eight little reindeer (the children) to help me out,” Carr said. “I get to travel through all the hustle and bustle and bring a little light into people’s lives.”