How do you measure a day? Is it in hours, minutes or by what you accomplish? We measure a day by the lives we touch. We are the Volunteer Services Council of the San Antonio State Supported Living Center, and our mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with mental retardation who live at the Living Center. Since 1978, we have provided funding for programs, supported a volunteer program and encouraged public awareness of issues facing individuals with mental retardation.
While many individuals have interaction with family during the holidays, there are others who cannot count on loved ones to be there. These individuals have lived longer than their parents and family members or may no longer have contact from remaining relatives.
In planning for the upcoming Holiday season, we ask you to spend some time with our family and friends. Here are a few suggestions:
We have 300 individuals living in eight homes. By adopting one home, you agree to provide gifts, a party or other form of entertainment for 20-25 individuals. We can provide a list of appropriate gift items and can assist in party planning.
Every home will host an open house celebration during the first two weeks in December. You can sponsor a home by providing entertainment, food and/or gifts for individuals served by the San Antonio State Supported Living Center.
Instead of exchanging gifts at the office, set up an Angel Tree for a few individuals. We can provide you with a list of requested items from several individuals. Here’s an example of an angel: Joe R. lives on Bluebird Home and wants 1 or all of the following gifts: coloring books, new slippers (Men’s size 5) or a walk-man radio. We then wrap any gifts we receive for Joe and have “Santa” deliver them on Christmas Day.
Each year, the Council provides a goodie bag/stocking for each person served by the Living Center. Small items are always needed to help fill the 300 stockings. We accept new items, such as hand lotions, soaps, stuffed animals, handheld electronic games, and other things that can fit in a stocking.
Cash donations will be used to purchase gifts that reflect the individuals’ wishes.
New gifts will be matched with individuals’ wish lists. Below is a list of suggested items that are always welcomed. New unwrapped gifts are to be delivered by December 23rd.
- AM/FM Portable Radio
- Arts and Crafts Supplies
- Board Games
- Colognes and Perfumes
- Compact Discs (CD’s)
- Fanny Packs
- House Shoes or Slippers
- Jogging Suits
- Make-up and Cosmetics
- New Bedding (Twin fitted sheets, comforters, etc.)
- Ladies Nightgowns
- Purses
- Radios with Headphones
- Sports Balls (basketball, football, etc.)
- Sweatshirts (all adult sizes)
- Throw Blankets
- Video Tapes or DVD’s (Rated G, PG & PG-13)
- Men’s Wallets
- Watches
- Wrapping Paper and Decorative Bows
- Blank Christmas Cards
Do you have a special talent? Caroling in the halls, decorating a home, helping with an event or sponsoring a night of entertainment are great ways you or your group can spread Holiday cheer!
With your generosity, we can continue to touch lives. How many lives will you touch today?
Need more information? Please call the Community Relations Office at (210) 531-3729 or (210) 531-3728.
