Bay District Volunteers Keep A Tradition Going....
 
By Public Information Officer Douglas Medley
December 24, 2014
 

Well it was Christmas Eve again in the year 2014 and the volunteers from Bay District were again going out to the Chesapeake Shores Nursing Home for our yearly visit with the residents and staff. We have been doing this visit for over 20 years and it was first started by our beloved web master Jason Adams. It has grown over the years as we now have a Santa Claus and gift bags for all the residents. Funny when we first started our budget only allowed us to buy candy canes. We have come a long way over the years and for that we are very proud.

It all starts with our Associates buying the stuff for the gift bags then we take everything back to the station to put in the gift bags. We fill the over 150 bags for the residents then just wait until Christmas Eve to load up on the apparatus along with Santa and make our way down to the nursing home.

It is always a joyous evening as we arrive in front and everyone gets off to unload the gift bags and make our way into the home. We are always met with clapping hands and big smiles from all. We make our way down each hallway stopping at every room so that Santa can make a visit and drop off a gift bag. I’m telling you as I tell all the new members that come down with us that it truly warms the heart to see the looks on the faces of the residents. Some of these people don’t see anyone most of the time and we want to make sure that doesn’t happen on Christmas.

So after we finish we gather out front for a group picture then wish each other a Merry Christmas and head home to be with our families knowing that we did something good for someone on this evening called Christmas Eve.
 
Kayla was the head lady that day from the home and showed us around to make sure we didn't give anyone something that they were not to have i.e. fruit, candy.
Kayla was the head lady that day from the home and showed us around to make sure we didn't give anyone something that they were not to have i.e. fruit, candy.
Engine 33 arriving with a special guest.
Engine 33 arriving with a special guest.
 
It's the big guy himself Santa Claus.
It's the big guy himself Santa Claus.
We had to wait to get checked in so we all gathered at the front. The old guy in front (Les Hansen) was looking for a room.
We had to wait to get checked in so we all gathered at the front. The old guy in front (Les Hansen) was looking for a room.
 
Hi Santa......
Hi Santa......
Checking out his bag before making the rounds with associate Christy Bixby.
Checking out his bag before making the rounds with associate Christy Bixby.
 
Me with Kayla head lady. I think she thought I needed a room to. Not yet I hope.
Me with Kayla head lady. I think she thought I needed a room to. Not yet I hope.
Met with the nurses at the nurses station for directions and to make sure they got a bag.
Met with the nurses at the nurses station for directions and to make sure they got a bag.
 
Associate Christy keeping Santa straight while Kayla keeps a sharp eye on what we give the residents.
Associate Christy keeping Santa straight while Kayla keeps a sharp eye on what we give the residents.
The look on the residents was priceless.
The look on the residents was priceless.
 
This sweet lady was sitting up waiting for the big guy.
This sweet lady was sitting up waiting for the big guy.
She even had a kiss for the big fellow.
She even had a kiss for the big fellow.
 
Another resident. Most had their rooms decorated for Christmas.
Another resident. Most had their rooms decorated for Christmas.
Jermaine Swell (Sgt.) walking around with Santa.
Jermaine Swell (Sgt.) walking around with Santa.
 
A nice crowd in one of the lounges.
A nice crowd in one of the lounges.
More rounds.
More rounds.
 
Some of our old timers Joe Zienda, Anthony Thomas, Richard (torch) Corcoran and our President Wayne Johnson, Sr.
Some of our old timers Joe Zienda, Anthony Thomas, Richard (torch) Corcoran and our President Wayne Johnson, Sr.
Yes that's me pulling the cart around the halls with Christy Bixby and Tracy and Lonnie Thompson.
Yes that's me pulling the cart around the halls with Christy Bixby and Tracy and Lonnie Thompson.
 
I needed a place to sit down about this time but associate Jamie Olson and Christy Bixby kept giving me encouragement.
I needed a place to sit down about this time but associate Jamie Olson and Christy Bixby kept giving me encouragement.
Christy was always right there with another bag.
Christy was always right there with another bag.
 
Santa giving this resident a ride to her room.
Santa giving this resident a ride to her room.
This gentleman had his room set up so nice. Check it out.
This gentleman had his room set up so nice. Check it out.
 
Santa makes a stop with the family of the resident looking on. The one lady told me it was so nice what we were doing. I liked that.
Santa makes a stop with the family of the resident looking on. The one lady told me it was so nice what we were doing. I liked that.
All three of us leaning up against the wall. Anthony, Jermaine and me.
All three of us leaning up against the wall. Anthony, Jermaine and me.
 
Associate Jamie Olson, Safety Officer Anthony Thomas and Associate Christy Bixby having a bit of fun in the hallway. Don't know about the antlers on Anthony.
Associate Jamie Olson, Safety Officer Anthony Thomas and Associate Christy Bixby having a bit of fun in the hallway. Don't know about the antlers on Anthony.
Anthony got him a toy to take home. His favorite monkey.
Anthony got him a toy to take home. His favorite monkey.
 
Santa in the eating area.
Santa in the eating area.
Pointing out one of the residents to Santa.
Pointing out one of the residents to Santa.
 
One of the residents checking out his bag. Nursing homes don't all have just old people. This fellow was probably in his 20's.
One of the residents checking out his bag. Nursing homes don't all have just old people. This fellow was probably in his 20's.
These were not residents just some family visiting their grandmaw.
These were not residents just some family visiting their grandmaw.
 
Santa wanted to show the young lady what he had for her.
Santa wanted to show the young lady what he had for her.
Sgt. Sewell (Co-Co) showing the love along with Santa.
Sgt. Sewell (Co-Co) showing the love along with Santa.
 
And here we are out front. Not as many as usual but you have to know that some left for a MVA right in the middle of the tour. You just never know when the tones will drop. Left to Right: Rick Corcoran, Jermaine Sewell, Santa (aka Gary Hanbury) Christy Bixby, James Williams, Me in the middle of two cute gals, Jamie Olson, Tracy Thompson, and Joe Zienda.
And here we are out front. Not as many as usual but you have to know that some left for a MVA right in the middle of the tour. You just never know when the tones will drop. Left to Right: Rick Corcoran, Jermaine Sewell, Santa (aka Gary Hanbury) Christy Bixby, James Williams, Me in the middle of two cute gals, Jamie Olson, Tracy Thompson, and Joe Zienda.