Editorial: Auburn business holds Christmas gift drive for seniors at local care center

I have owned an antique shop in Auburn for 17 years, including more than 12 years in Old Town. I was vice president of the Old Town Board Association for many years, and I have to say this sleepy little town has definitely given more to me than I have taken from it. I try to give back as much as I can. I usually donate my time to the Salvation Army, cooking and serving food for the holidays, but this year, I wanted to make a bigger contribution. I remember the day in late November when the thought of a gift drive for a local senior home occurred to me. I often do a little run/walk through Old Town Auburn in the mornings with my dog, Sir Gnarls Underfoot. We like to run the Auburn Courthouse steps, and lately, I had been seeing a homeless man sleeping at the top of the steps. So this day, I decided to bring a blanket in the hopes he was there and I could cover him. It was getting so cold in Auburn. Luckily, he was there, and I said, "I'm just going to put a blanket on you," and I laid it over him. It was such a rewarding feeling. I felt lit up inside. So when I got home from my walk, I decided I wanted to do more giving, so I called the Rock Creek Care Center and arranged to supply Christmas gifts for all 46 seniors. Lisa Wille, Rock Creek activities director, was kind enough to send me a wish list for each senior. Through the generous donations of my customers, friends and family, I was able to provide multiple gifts for each senior. I am also gifting a television, Christmas cards for all and more than 50 pairs of socks. I couldn't have pulled this off without the following Christmas elves who generously gave to help me make this blessing come true: Suzanne DeVinna, Lisa Ford, Debi DeVinna, Stephanie Arino, Katherine Hilden, Jay Earnhart, Ivy Castro De Barker, Kara Gaylor, Gary Marquis, Tina Wade, Sue Rowe, Mary O'Brien, Barbara Bosworth Mackenstadt, Charlene Williams, Arlene Hernandez, Kelley Vestal Neff, Laura Douglas, Alison Sweetser, Robyn Beers, Linda Robinson, Emily Faubion, Amanda Petty, Andrea Williams, Kelley Bailey, Lisa McNabb, Kelley Von Zboray, Jeff Wibberley, Greg Millar, Brittany Louwaert, Javier Caraballo, Bobby Nelson, Diane Daney, Suzanne Gailey, Chuck Shaver, Dave Holtzinger and Craig Ahlswede.