Magical acts of kindness grew through a Golden Gift Tree at Arlington Animal Services this December in honor of Golden People are Willing and Sharing (PAWS) volunteers and other seniors in the community.
City staff and volunteers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of animals wanted to further extend their acts of kindness by also bringing joy to senior citizens this holiday season.
A breakroom at the Animal Services Center was the home of the Golden Gift Tree, where gifts began appearing such as handkerchiefs, lotion, toiletries, body washes, cozy blankets, puzzles and more with seniors in mind.
On December 23, 2017, a group of Golden PAWS volunteers and city staff headed to Mission Arlington with the items collected and donated to bring seniors' Christmas cheer.
Tillie Burgin, executive director of Mission Arlington was surprised and elated to see an organization bring in donations for the senior citizens they assist here in Arlington. Many people bring in donations that are specific to children this time of year, and often, seniors are forgotten. On this day, this was not the case.
Burgin was delighted, saying the gifts would be distributed to seniors at church services on Christmas Eve at local nursing homes.
"Seniors hold a special place in my heart," said Chris Huff, manager of Arlington Animal Services, "It is nice to see our Golden PAWS senior volunteers giving back twice this year."
Golden PAWS volunteers are a very important part of the shelter's volunteer program. This lively senior group actively seeks creative ways to be more involved in the community, and their membership is always looking for new candidates.
Golden Paws
Animal Services, News