Congregants at Christ Church Portola Valley and Woodside made Gingerbread Houses for the residents of Silver Oaks Memory Care in Menlo Park. The houses demonstrated creativity - one having a roof made from straight pretzels, another used pretzels and candy canes to make a sled. 

SpiritCare also brought carol singing to Silver Oaks, but the COVID pandemic means singers with guitar accompaniment had to be outside, filmed on an iPhone using Zoom. The residents stayed warm inside watching Zoom by connecting a laptop to their TV. 

Thank you to all at Christ Church who shared love and creativity by decorating the houses.

Thank you Menlo Church for your Socks for Seniors campaign. Soft socks and Christmas cards will be donated to older adults in long term care. Cold feet appreciate the comfort of fleecy socks, especially when they have non-slip soles.

Foot care in the elderly can produce dramatic effects in mobility. In those who can walk, warm socks encourage mobility. For those who cannot walk, feet may be cold because of poor circulation or underlying disease, so warm socks increase levels of comfort. 

The 1981 White House Conference on Aging in its Recommendation Number 148 stated that "comprehensive foot care be provided for the elderly in a manner equal to care provided for other parts of the body." (Source: "Podiatric Service in Long-term Care Facilities", A E Halfand, Clin Podiatr Med Surg.1993 Apr;10(2):285-96)