Cavanaugh Lake Neighbors Make Holidays Merry and Bright for Skilled Nursing Residents at Chelsea Retirement Community

On Friday, December 18, Santa’s helpers arrived a little early for the skilled nursing residents of Chelsea Retirement Community, located on the historic campus of United Methodist Retirement Communities (UMRC). UMRC Foundation Board member Chad Losey of Chelsea, his partner Jeff Hall, and Steve and Stephanie Larson, all of Chelsea, brought Christmas gifts to all 45 residents of UMRC’s Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center (Kresge Center).

“Actually, our good friend and lake neighbor, Stephanie Larson and her husband Steve, were responsible for making this Christmas Miracle happen!” said Chad. “Stephanie reached out to me in November asking if there were any residents at UMRC that may not have family nearby or that could use some extra love. Wendy Brightman, President of the UMRC Foundation and Porter Hills Foundation, suggested that the Kresge Center residents could use some Christmas cheer. So Stephanie reached out to our Cavanaugh Lake community to enlist their help in making this dream come true!”

Over 30 Cavanaugh Lake households pitched in to help by donating money, shopping for residents based on their wish lists and checking them twice, wrapping, and organizing the gifts, according to Chad.

“We wanted to bring a bit of light into these special people’s lives, with a bit of holiday joy, and provide them each a few holiday gifts,” said Stephanie.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult for our Kresge Center residents who require 24-hour skilled nursing care,” said Wendy Brightman, President of the UMRC Foundation and Porter Hills Foundation. “Because of COVID, our residents have not been able to see their loved ones in person which has been especially isolating for our most vulnerable older adults. We are so grateful to Steve and Stephanie, Chad and Jeff and their friends for making this an unforgettable Christmas for our Kresge Center residents.”

“We live in such a special community,” said Chad. “It is so important that we continue to support our neighbors, especially in these difficult times.”

Photo:  Jeff Hall, Chad Losey, Stephanie Larson, and Steve Larson deliver Christmas presents to skilled nursing residents at Chelsea Retirement Community.