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2011
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 From a Team Leader to her Team -- Happy New Year!!! I hope you enjoyed the Holiday Season as much as I did. What you did with The Holiday Project this Holiday Season was wonderfully and most importantly "Beautifully Blessed". You created smiles, blessed others and lifted spirits of people and families that may not have acquired these things in quite some time.... As Team Leader for this Visit, I would like to say "Thank You" for joining us this Holiday Season and hope our paths cross during this new year. -- Donna
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 From a Team Leader -- My group had a beautiful visit with the residents on December 21. I arrived a little early and was getting the sign-in sheets and name tags ready when Jim, one of the residents, "parked" himself at the table. Jim is from the local area, and said he has been at the facility for 7 years. He recognized one of the volunteers, who eventually recognized him too. She was in real estate and he was in the insurance business. Jim told her that he used to have a crush on her. He chatted away with us all and wanted to know if there were any single women.
We visited Sophie in her room and she told us all about her daughters, whose pictures were on the walls. She also told us she is Greek Orthodox and about their festivals and food. One of the volunteers mentioned that she has friends from the local Greek church and asked if Sophie would like to have them visit. The volunteer has arranged for several members from the church to visit with Sophie.
Each of the residents we visited was so appreciative and just kept thanking us for taking time to come and visit. They were all delighted with their cards and gifts and loved singing along with us. The volunteers and I all had a wonderful time, and we are all interested in returning. I will contact them in January to set up our next visit. -- Sadie
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From a Team Leader -- Just reporting on my wonderful Christmas Visit. I had an amazing group of volunteers and we had a great time spending the afternoon on Christmas Day with the residents of Heritage Hall. I had about 40 volunteers and we visited around 100 residents.
My next visit will most likely be for Valentine's Day. Happy New Year!
-- Katie
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From a Team Leader -- Its been another wonderful year for us at Cherry Lane Nursing Center. I had a wonderful group of people that volunteered. Some indicated that they will be back next year to do it again. They really enjoyed themselves and the interaction they had with the residents. One particular touching moment happened with a teen volunteer. She knocked on the door of a female resident to wish her “Happy Holiday” and to give her a gift. The woman was so touched by the visit; the volunteer stayed with her the entire time. The resident was all alone and really needed someone to talk to her.
A young marine, his wife and four month old son joined our team. The marine was home on leave from Japan and spent his Christmas with us. Talk about going beyond the call of duty! He and his family were such a hit, especially the 4-month old baby. Many of the residents wanted to hold and cuddle him; he was such a trooper ... going from adopted grandmother to adopted grandmother as most of the female residents couldn’t wait to get their arms around the little guy.
Also in our group were the pet visitors. They were also a huge hit. Murray (a cute Boston) was a favorite and of course, the birds were a favorite, as people were able to hold and interact with them.
Looking forward to leading the group next year as it just wouldn’t be the holiday season without doing it. -- Paula
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December, 2011 -- From a Visitor-- This was my first time serving as a volunteer with The Holiday Project. Under the guidance of Robin, a group of us volunteered at a hospital on December 3. It was very inspiring. One patient was in intense pain but as soon as we completed a song, she did manage to smile. That made it all worthwhile to give up a Saturday in which I really had lots to do. Unfortunately, after being hospitalized five times within two years, I understand how lonely it can be, especially around the holidays.Keep up the good work and know that your services are very much needed!
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December, 2011 -- Impressions of an 8 year old Cub Scout -- Ian reported that the pack event yesterday at the nursing home was "one of the highlights of my life." He discussed at length how good he felt visiting "people who don't get many visitors and might not get to see their friends and family for Christmas, and hardly ever get to see kids." It made a big impression on him and he feels very good about being able to do something nice like that in the spirit of giving.
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Santa came early this year, along with caroling volunteers. The residents at Hughes Home in Fredericksburg VA loved the festivities. Thank you new Team Leader, Darlene Milstead.
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2010 and Earlier Read a beautiful story from 1978. We just received and posted it on our national website.
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 December 2010 -- Pictured on left, volunteers at the Washington Hospital Center.
Cub Scout Pack 3600 of Alexandria VA made cards that were given to hospital patients -- and this group of volunteers helped deliver them.
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 December, 2010 --
Roger Thiel prepares for his Visit to Washington Hospital Center by picking up gifts.
October, 2010 -- From Visitor Susan Pizza: I found out about the organization when they came to visit my mother who was at Sibley Hospital over the Christmas Holiday. You just can’t imagine her delight when she heard the carolers in the hospital corrider, and the way her face lit up when the group walked into her room and I asked what carols she wanted to sing with them!
Pictured above and below: Holiday Visitors in Lewes, Delaware
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October, 2009 -- From Team Leader Paula Volk: My daughter turns 18 this year, which means I have been visiting for over 20 years. She has visited since she was 1-year old. I have missed 2 visits over the years, the first was when I had Melissa; she was just too little to bring to a nursing facility. The second time was my husband's and my 25th wedding anniversary; we went away at the holiday time. However, I had Cherry Lane covered with a friend, and other people. I can't imagine not going at Christmas time. Our birds are now part of the group, and boy have they been popular! I think they enjoy all the people interaction as much as we do! Keep your fingers crossed for a mild winter day so that the birds can join us again this year.
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October, 2009 -- From Team Leader Sally Cooney Anderson: This will be my 29th consecutive year going on a Christmas Day visit with The Holiday Project. It has become part of my holiday celebration.
My husband, Bobby Anderson, and I are thrilled that we will be honored at this year’s Holiday Concert on Saturday, December 5. We hope all of you will join us for this celebration of the season and The Holiday Project.
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December, 2009 -- From Maureen Jais-Mick, Director for Community Outreach and Volunteer Services at Saint Elizabeths Hospital: Thanks so much for coordinating your groups of carolers. I thought it was great fun. I always learn about unknown talents or interests of individuals in our care when we have volunteers in the hospital. It's a great gift.
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