Since the Sterling Village Giving Tree was so popular last year, the staff wanted to find a way to have a repeat performance.

And they did.

Anyone who wants to choose a gift tag from the tree should come to the west end of the building, 204 W. Washington, and ring the bell. Staff members will assist them with safety in mind.

“Because of the pandemic, we have new protocols in place,” said Lisa Valentine, Sterling Village community marketing liaison. “It is so important to display the Giving Tree again this year because there has not been much joy in our elders’ lives recently. This definitely brightens their day.”

All elders who live at the short-term-rehab and long-term-care residence are represented on the Giving Tree. While names are not used because of privacy concerns, each tag contains specific information about a gift that has been requested.

The deadline for choosing a gift tag is Dec. 14; gifts should be returned to Sterling Village by Dec. 21.

“While our elders enjoy this special Christmas tree, we also noticed last year that members of our community appreciated the chance to participate,” Valentine commented. “It is a wonderful way to let our elders know their neighbors are thinking about them. It is the perfect way to celebrate the true meaning of the season.

“We encourage the community to get involved again this year,” Valentine continued. “Our elders have not been able to interact in person with their families and we, like many others, have had to postpone or cancel a number of events. We are so pleased we can share a little Christmas spirit in this way.”