Friendship, a leader in senior living and rehabilitation, invited team members, residents, and community members to be a part of making the holidays brighter for residents at Friendship Health & Rehab Center, located on Hershberger Road in Roanoke.

“Blessing Boxes” were placed throughout Friendship’s North Campus during the month of November, inviting people to donate items such as socks, art supplies, toiletries, and other small gifts that would be used to fill the stockings of residents at Friendship Health & Rehab Center. This month, Friendship team members also put up a Secret Santa tree that was decorated with gift ideas for residents without families. Employees and visitors took the gift suggestions and returned with presents for those residents.

“We asked residents what they wanted for Christmas and also spoke with nurses and social workers to determine what items individuals wanted and needed most, which included stuffed animals, toiletries, blankets, hats, and many other items,” said Activities Director at Friendship Health & Rehab Center Tiffany Brown. “To be able to bring cheer to our residents and involve our local community is very important to us.”

Stockings were distributed to about 225 residents, and 42 residents who are without families have also received Secret Santa gifts. Members of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Hospitality Association were among those who donated gifts for the resident stockings. Stockings were given to residents on Friday, and Secret Santa gifts have been distributed throughout the week.

“Unfortunately, not all of our residents have families to bring them gifts this season,” said Friendship President and CEO Joe Hoff. “We’re hoping that in doing this, we can make sure each person who lives at Friendship feels joy this holiday because they know they are cared for and supported.”

To learn more about Friendship Health and Rehab Center or other services available, individuals are encouraged to visit the company’s website, friendship.us, or call 540.283.4433.

About Friendship

Friendship offers diverse senior living accommodations, award-winning care, new and innovative services, as well as specialized rehab and therapy, to over 900 residents and patients. The community opened its first building in 1966 and has grown to offer the full continuum of healthcare, including an adult day care center, home care services, an on-site physician clinic and pharmacy, and Bistro ’66, its dining venue that is open seven days a week. Visit friendship.us for more information.

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