A Calvert Nursing Home’s Angel Tree Sat Neglected — Then The Community Stepped In

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Angel trees are a common sight around Christmastime. Churches, charities and other groups decorate Christmas trees and put tags on them with the name and wish list of a person in need. Then, community members can select a tag — or two, or a dozen — to help brighten a neighbor’s holiday.

But the Angel Tree at Calvert County Nursing Center had sat for a week with almost no one stopping by to select a tag. The tree, adorned with ribbon and curated wish lists from its senior residents, was mostly untouched.

The wish lists were for items like soft blankets and warm, oversized sweatshirts. Many of the residents don’t have families to visit or give gifts during the holiday season. They spend Christmas at the nursing center, celebrating with staff and fellow residents.

But Calvert County residents didn’t accept that outcome for these seniors. They turned to their communities, both online and offline, to spread the word about this neglected Angel Tree and the seniors who needed some love and care.

One Charles County resident, Mary Cox, heard from a friend whose mother lives at Calvert Nursing Center that the tree was still full. Cox has a sizable online following from her traveling petting zoo business and decided to post about the tree.

She wrote on her Facebook page, calling for angels. Her post was shared almost 500 times, including in other local groups with thousands of members. Dozens of commenters wrote on Cox’s post that they’d stopped by the nursing center for a tag.

By the end of the day, one commenter wrote with an update: She’d called the nursing center and all 170 tags had been taken. The center added the names of six new residents to the tree shortly after; those seniors were also quickly adopted.

Calvert Nursing Center Activities Director Darlene Praylow said that she had over 200 people coming into the center the day prior who wanted to do something for them.

“That tree, as I look at it, is bare,” Praylow said. “Every name is gone. I’m so thankful for the support of our community. Churches, community, students from the high school came by, all wanting to do something gracious.”

Praylow added that it has been “breathtaking” to see how the community has taken them under their wing this year for this Christmas holiday.

“It’s to the point where if we get new residents coming aboard, we have abundance. This tree is finished, but we have so much more,” she said.

Cox said that even after the tags were gone, she was fielding messages and comments all day from people asking how they could help. People wrote in offering to make food and desserts, take photographs, dress as Santa for a visit, or make crafts, ornaments or cards for the residents. Two families offered to bring their children, who don’t have grandparents, to visit. Someone in North Carolina sent Cox $50 on Venmo to buy supplies.

The response was so strong that Cox and others are helping throw a Christmas party at the nursing center early next week. Cox will be bringing along her petting zoo.

“I had no idea. It was so overwhelming, it just felt like a Christmas miracle unfolding right in front of me,” Cox said. She added that the party was shaping up to “be like a Hallmark movie.”

Cox was also surprised to learn that the center doesn’t provide the necessities for all the residents, and often basics like socks and deodorant are brought in by donations or families. And residents’ wish lists are simple: They want these basics, or simple treats like candy or pudding.

Nursing homes don’t get people off the street the way churches or community centers do. If you’re at the nursing center, it’s probably because you’re staff or have family members living there. Even if they’re hoping to share the Christmas spirit and give back, many people don’t think to check nursing homes. There are so many wonderful events around Christmastime, but like other times throughout the year, seniors in need are easy to overlook.

“People don’t think about the seniors in nursing homes. You’re busy, you think about the kids, but the seniors are some of the really forgotten people,” Cox said. “You don’t see it until you see it. And when people saw it, they jumped to help.”

But the magic of Christmas is about giving. And knowing someone out there cares can make a world of difference to someone, no matter their background, their wish list or their age.

Even in the midst of economic challenges, people in Calvert County continue to answer the call to help their neighbors whenever, wherever they are needed. Hopefully, Christmas at the Calvert Nursing Center this year will be one of smiles, gifts and good cheer — and the memory of how people rallied together for strangers, because no one deserves to be forgotten.

“The times we’re living in are kind of tight,” Praylow said. “And despite that, people have been coming in to see what we need at Calvert Nursing Center. We’re so grateful, we’re so happy, and I can’t wait to see the faces of these residents as they open these beautiful gifts. I can’t say enough how grateful we are.”

“I’ve cried a lot about this,” Cox said. “It’s so touching and I can’t wait to see them with Santa and the animals.”

Wrapped gifts are due back at the nursing center by Dec. 19. And though this particular center is covered, Praylow said that seniors are in need across the region and to look at other centers or hospitals. She also said she hopes this experience encourages people to get involved volunteering with seniors year-round.

“We’d love to see more folks stop by throughout the year,” Praylow said. “We are here, and it means so much to us. Our doors are open for you.”

“We are so blessed and thankful to the village for coming together for Calvert Nursing Center. We’re so happy here! It’s gonna be a Merry Christmas.”

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