The Checotah Art Guild dropped off big bags of gifts and a check for their “Golden Christmas” benefit for Checotah Nursing and Rehabilitation residents last week.

“Our local artists from the guild joined together with the community to help make it a brighter holiday for all the residents at the home,” Director Iris Park said. “This was our first year to help our local nursing facility and we couldn’t be any happier with the response from so many. We especially appreciate Henderson Truss who was our main donor. We got specific items that were on Santa’s List for these residents and were grateful to be able to help.”

Park and art member Dennis Short presented a check for $156.29 to the facility that was left over donations and asked that they use it for the resident’s party or toward any other needs of the residents.

Items bought for the resident included clothes, slippers, face cream, body wash, stuffed animals, perfume, puzzles, CD’s, blankets, room decor and of course art supplies.

“It was such a wonderful feeling to get to be Santa to our local residents who have given so much to us in the past. We plan to do this again next year,” Park said.

Art member Holly Lackey and her dog, Panda, also visited residents in their rooms and down the halls.

“It has been wonderful seeing the response of the community this year,” Andy Campbell said. “So many organizations and individuals have come out to be a blessing to our residents and staff. From gifts given to groups singing or playing music, it’s been the most wonderful time and the residents have just loved it.”

Campbell and Randy Ramsey regularly do devotionals and sing with the residents every Wednesday at 10 a.m. so he knows how important it is to all the residents and staff to feel so loved by their community.

The Checotah Nursing Home and Rehab Center had an incredible Christmas this year and wanted to wish all these organizations and individuals a special thank you for donating: Randy Ramsey, Randall Dunegan, Checotah Stop, Checotah Sharps. Quick n Eazy, Hunns Funeral Home, Genieva Millsap, Jean And Andy Campbell, Perry Hatridge, Dennis Alexander, Jayann Rau, Jack Johnson, Ellen Dunegan, William Fairchild, Rick and Sue Smith,Sue Hughart, Tanya Durrett, Hazel Bougas, Checotah Art Guild, Jodi Butler, Country Side Baptist Church, Vic’s Mobile Detail, Mike, Doris, Terry, Julia Watley, Vicky Bernard, VFW, Trina Teague, Lexide Church, Renda Good, and everyone in the community who gave of their time, money or efforts.