In cooperation with the Rodgau care facilities "Hildegard von Bingen" and "Gretel-Egner-Haus", the municipal senior citizens' counselling service has launched the "Wishing Christmas tree for senior citizens" campaign. Christmas is a celebration of encounters, warmth and togetherness. It is often not only senior citizens who live in care facilities who can easily fulfil their wishes. Many only have limited resources or no relatives to bring them joy or visit them at Christmas. Some residents even have no loved ones apart from a court-appointed carer. In order to fulfil these people's heartfelt wishes, from 20 November to 13 December, there will be Christmas trees in the care facilities "Hildegard von Bingen", Hannah-Arendt-Straße 9, and "Gretel-Egner-Haus", Feldstraße 39, on which the residents have hung their "wishing stars" (wish lists). In order to protect data privacy, the names on the wishing stars will be replaced by a number, together with the gender, age and the respective wish. Material wishes are possible, such as sweets, a shower gel, socks, cosmetics, books or magazines, as well as non-material wishes. The value of each wish is limited to a maximum of 20 euros. The "wish fulfilers" go to the care facility of their choice, choose one or more stars and take them with them. The gifts can be handed in either at the town hall during opening hours or directly at the facilities by 15 December at the latest. In order to be able to clearly allocate the gifts, the original wish list should be attached to the gift and there should also be a reference/note to the respective facility ("Gretel" or "Hildegard"). In the case of non-material wishes, the respective care facility will establish contact with the residents. Especially for people who live in a care facility, intangible gifts are often more valuable than things that can be wrapped in paper. Because what really counts is closeness, attention and shared experiences. A sympathetic ear, a visit, time for conversation, singing Christmas carols together or reading a story aloud give joy that lingers for a long time. A walk through the wintry surroundings can also give residents a feeling of security and of not being forgotten. Intangible gifts are often the most valuable, as they nourish the heart and soul. Christmas in a care facility thus becomes a celebration that is not only characterised by the glitter of lights, but above all by human warmth and genuine care. Clarissa Leopoldsberger, Municipal Advice Centre for the Elderly, 06106 - 693 1451 or 1233, will answer any questions about the "Christmas Wishing Tree".
