Woodley Manor Administrator Michael Britton and Resident Lizzie Johnson.

We all want to experience the joy of giving during the Christmas season. This is especially true for nursing home residents.

The residents and staff of Woodley Manor Heath & Rehab in Montgomery, Alabama, decided the best way to celebrate Christmas would be to put a smile on a child’s face. They wanted to do something big that could really benefit the community. They chose to participate in Toys for Tots because Woodley Manor’s residents always enjoy visits from children at Christmastime.

Woodley Manor’s staff jumped on the idea. Phone calls were made to determine the exact date and time of the Toys for Tots collection. Flyers were passed out in the facility. Banners were hung and a big Toys for Tots collection box was placed in the lobby.

The goal was to donate a gift for each of Woodley Manor’s 84 residents. Residents who were able donated a toy. For residents who weren’t able to donate, a staff member bought a gift on behalf of the resident. The facility also collected money that enabled it buy additional toys.

On December 13, the facility’s van traveled to a local Wal-Mart loaded with residents, staff and, of course, Christmas gifts. They delivered the Toys for Tots donation as part of local television station WSFA 12 News’ community-wide “12’s Day of Giving.”

The results were nothing short of amazing. The residents and staff donated 110 presents and two bicycles…far surpassing the goal!

“Woodley Manor had a Christmas spirit that it hasn’t had in a while,” Woodley Manor Health & Rehab Administrator Michael Britton said. “You could tell the whole thing really made the residents happy. By the end of the day, the residents and the staff were asking what else they could do to give back.”

After donating the gifts, the residents and staff met WSFA 12 News anchors and talked with volunteers.

Click on the photo gallery to see pictures from the event. The video features Michael Britton’s interview with WSFA 12 News. The video is used by permission from WSFA 12 News.