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CELEBRATING SENIORS at Christmas
Operation Christmas at Westhaven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Antique dealers and employees at Stillwater Antique and Collectible Mall decorate pumpkins each fall and encourage customers to vote on their favorite pumpkin . The pumpkins line a counter at the antique mall , and customers may place money in a jar next to their choice of pumpkin .
“ People can vote using their spare change , or they can even pay with their credit card ,” said Cindy Clark , antique dealer and team leader at the antique mall . “ … Every penny we raise goes to Westhaven
Nursing Home ’ s Operation Christmas , and that provides Christmas gifts to people in that nursing home .”
Clark said there is “ such a big need there , because there ’ s so many people that don ’ t have family , they don ’ t have any way to get basic necessities .”
Clark said the antique mall has held the pum pkin-decorating contest for years , but last year decided to donate their funds to Westhaven because one of their dealers had a spouse who lived there .
“ It ’ s been very successful . Our customers have really been very kind ,” she said .
Last year , the store raised $ 250 toward the Westhaven Operation Christmas .
“ We just decided that is such a great local cause and that is a way that we can truly be helpful ,” Clark said . “ People just don ’ t realize how great that need is .”
Elder Angel Tree Program
Elderly individuals are celebrated in a special way at Murphy ’ s Department Store located at 815 S . Main St . For at least eight years , owner Terry Monroe has partnered with the Elder Angel Tree Program to bring holiday cheer to the elderly at nursing homes in Stillwater .
It ’ s like the Salvation Army Angel Tree , but for senior citizens . The program helps provide Christmas
PHOTO TOP : Gary Boyington , in black jacket , hosts a Christmas party for disabled veterans at Westwood .
PHOTO LEFT : One of the pumpkins during the 2019 Pumpkin Decorating Contest PHOTO PROVIDED
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