LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – For over two decades, Longview resident Willy Simpson has been bringing Christmas cheer to nursing home residents across East Texas.
This year was no exception, as Simpson distributed over a thousand stuffed animals to seniors in Longview, Kilgore, and Gladewater, a tradition he started 20 years ago.
“I’ve been doing it for about 20 years… I love doing the nursing homes,” said Simpson. “It’s a blessing to meet all kinds of people and different walks of life that are in the nursing homes and stuff like that.”
Donations, often received from organizations like the Salvation Army, play a crucial role in this annual effort. Captain Tamara Robb of the Salvation Army explained the significance of these gestures for seniors.
“We do have 13 nursing homes that we also provide items as well,” stated Captain Robb. “Sometimes it’s lap blankets, sometimes it’s socks, sometimes it’s little stuffed animals. And that’s what we’re doing this year is little stuffed animals… It’s over a thousand residents in our local nursing homes that will be providing that to.”
Debbie Abernathy, activities director at Haven Care in Longview, shared the direct impact of these visits. “I personally just love seeing them every year,” Abernathy said. “Letting them know that there are people on the outside that are thinking about you… I’ve been in this line of work for 30 plus years, and there’s so many people in the nursing home that don’t have anybody, and this just puts smiles on their face.”
These small gifts go beyond being mere toys; they offer comfort and companionship, often becoming cherished possessions.
“It’s interesting because they will name them and they will cuddle with them,” Captain Robb added. “Sometimes people who have physical problems with their hands, the animals can be put in their hands so that it can keep their hands stretched out… those become their pets and their sense of joy.”
Simpson’s dedication, along with the support of organizations and volunteers, ensures that the magic of Christmas reaches those who need it most in the East Texas senior community, providing them not just a gift, but a reminder that they are valued and loved.
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