“I need a roll of quarters for Christmas.”

Dear Friends,

Each year the Admin Awards adopts a building of seniors at Juliette Fowler in Dallas, TX, where my Mother lives, who are on an extremely limited income. These are good people who went into their twilight years with no retirement. Their residents in this building are either living only on social security or in some cases, even less. Most have very few friends or family that visit and too many have no one. While the reality of how many of these folks are living their final chapter is pretty heartbreaking under normal circumstances, the current COVID restricted environment has added a layer of agonizing reality.

On top of their limited means, they are also confined to their apartments which makes living without the comforts that extra discretionary income affords, much less bearable. In addition, activities like bingo and other community-driven programs have been suspended as the organization works hard to continue to keep their senior residents safe. Their efforts have been incredibly effective, however have come at the price of isolation, depression and hopelessness for many of their residents as you might imagine.

Because The Admin Awards typically hosts a Christmas party for building F, which includes a little goody bag of gifts (some of which are unused donated Admin Awards goodies), and bingo with fun prizes, this year will of course, have to be different.

As I began thinking about what would be really cool and even more special this year for these 35 residents, I had a crazy idea. Let’s just play good old fashioned Santa Claus and ask them to tell us 3 things they “want” and 3 things they “need”. As risky as it may sound, I chose not to put any other qualifiers on the forms around costs or the kinds of items they could request. If they all asked for 65” TV’s I’d have my work cut out for me. But I suspected this probably wouldn’t be the case. And it’s not. In fact, it’s even “worse”.

I picked up the first batch of submissions (nearly 1/3 of the residents beat the deadline already) and I’ll admit, it was pretty gut wrenching to read. Here’s a summary of what they’re asking for:

People asked for rolls of quarters on the “need” list. This is how they do their laundry. .75 to wash and .50 to dry. This was the most surprising ‘need’ item we found. In fact, you'll see one person only asked for quarters on her 'need' list. The residents' deadline is Dec. 10 so we will have most or all of the lists in a couple of days.

Other things on their “need” and “wants” lists are a reminder that so many of us take for granted so many of the little things that you and I never have to go without, as you will see below.

Things currently on the “need” list are:

Low does aspirin

Latex gloves

409 Cleaner

Food for Christmas dinner

Grocery gift card

Hand sanitizer

Masks

Power strip

A portable CD player with good speakers

Pajamas

Cotton ankle socks

Sunflower potholder

Things people put on their “want” list:

A pretty vase for small flower arrangements

A pretty mini ornament for a small Christmas tree

2 turquoise dishtowels

Chunky peanut butter

12 Pack of Coke Zero

200 item box of Equal or Splenda

Turban hat

Sunglasses

Bodywash

Hair ties

Kodak Pixpro Digital Camera

Protein drinks

Chocolate

Amazon Gift Card

Christmas food basket of sausage, cheeses

Railroad Calendar for 2021

Fruit and nuts

Small plant

Pretty mask

For all the FCA staff to take care of themselves

Love

Yes, love.

You can see a few of the submissions below in the pics. I thought it would be good to show you their words, in their handwriting. I’ve removed names to maintain privacy.

My hope is that you would consider joining me in granting as many wishes on their lists as possible while maybe even adding a few surprises along the way. For folks that do not submit a list we would like to also include them in our Santa deliveries and will surprise them with things we think they might enjoy. There are 200 seniors living here, most are below the poverty line so the more help we receive, the more we can reach.

The easiest way to participate is to either purchase items directly from Amazon via the list below (my shipping address is included) or Venmo me directly (@sunny-nunan) whatever you can contribute (no amount is too small) and we’ll buy on your behalf.

I’ll continue adding to this list as additional wish lists are submitted. My hope is to get every wish granted before Dec. 20.

Amazon list:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/32YL7M7CELKY1...

And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ Matthew 25:40

Any questions PM me.

Thank you friends. Stay safe, and be thankful.

Love,

Sunny Nunan