A Senior Living Community Turns Its Holiday Cheer Into Support for Veterans

Holiday decorating with a purpose brought neighbors together for veterans

Watercrest Spanish Springs gathered residents, staff and local volunteers for a festive fundraising day that doubled as a hands-on support drive for Wreaths Across America. The community turned its main common areas into a holiday showcase and used the event to collect donations and wreaths to be laid at veterans’ graves this winter.

Lights, music and wreaths: how the fundraiser worked

The event filled a Saturday afternoon with seasonal music, tree lightings, a small craft table and a refreshment station. Organizers set up donation stations at the entrance and offered guests the chance to sponsor wreaths on the spot. Volunteers guided visitors through a display explaining how wreaths are placed at cemeteries and why the effort matters to families and local veterans groups.

Decorations were modest but cheerful: garlands on the stair railings, handmade ornaments from arts-and-crafts sessions, and a central display featuring photographs and stories of local veterans. The community also ran a short program where residents could write dedication cards to be attached to wreaths.

Watercrest staff handled coordination with the local Wreaths Across America chapter, scheduling pick-up dates and confirming how many donated wreaths would be delivered to area cemeteries. The setup kept the day easy and accessible: no ticket required, a low-pressure donation ask, and plain-language materials explaining how sponsorships translate into wreaths on graves.

Residents, caregivers and volunteers made the day personal

Many residents took part beyond simply attending. Some helped make ornaments and tie bows on wreaths; others spent time writing dedication cards or reading the short biographies of veterans that lined the hallways. The event included residents in memory-care units through simplified activities, so they could contribute in a way that felt meaningful without being overwhelming.

Caregivers and staff were visible at every step. Nurses and activity coordinators guided residents through craft stations and brought small groups to the display to share memories. Local volunteers — including family members and a handful of people from nearby churches — assisted with logistics like moving wreaths and helping guests park.

For the beneficiary, the immediate impact was straightforward: the event generated both wreaths and modest cash donations that the local Wreaths Across America team could turn into more wreaths or help cover delivery costs. Beyond the material support, the day raised awareness among families who might sponsor wreaths in the future.

Voices from the day: why this small gesture matters

“We wanted something simple where everyone here could join in,” said Sarah Lee, community relations director at Watercrest Spanish Springs. “Decorating and donating wreaths felt like an easy way to honor people who served and to bring our community together.”

One resident, who served in the military decades ago, described the event as “comforting and proud” — saying that seeing the wreaths and hearing names read aloud made the holiday feel connected to larger community traditions. A representative from the local Wreaths Across America chapter noted that small events like this add up: community centers and senior living homes often provide wreaths in places larger donors might overlook.

How readers can join in or support local veteran efforts

Readers who want to help can look for local Wreaths Across America sponsorship drives that run through the holiday season, or ask nearby senior communities about volunteer opportunities on wreath pickup and placement days. Small donations to cover wreath delivery costs and a morning of help moving wreaths are the kinds of contributions that make a real difference at the local level.

Sources

• prnewswire.com