Tuesday morning, Our Community Cares volunteers gathered at the old Wellington Mall beside a long table of poinsettias prepared for holiday delivery. The cheerful display set the tone for a morning filled with generosity and holiday spirit. Volunteers arrived with warm smiles and helping hands, joined by Wellington Community Foundation representatives Jim Sackett and Terri Kane, who accompanied the group and assisted in the deliveries throughout the morning.
Palm Beach County has one of the largest older adult populations in the state, with more than one in four residents age sixty five and older. As this number continues to rise, so does the need for supportive services that help seniors remain independent, connected, and cared for. Fifty percent of the seniors served by Our Community Cares live alone. Escalated living expenses, limited affordable assisted living options, and a growing number of older adults without nearby family make moments of outreach even more meaningful.
For many participants, the simple act of receiving a poinsettia and a friendly visit brings more than holiday cheer. It offers comfort, connection, and a heartfelt reminder that their community is thinking of them during the season.
Director of Operations Diane Gutman shared the mission behind the program, stating, “With the help of our dedicated volunteers and strong community partners, we work to reduce isolation, support daily living, and build meaningful relationships that allow seniors to thrive in the community they call home.”
Thanks to the compassion of volunteers and the continued support of the Wellington Community Foundation, dozens of seniors enjoyed a bright, uplifting start to the holiday season. It was a morning filled with kindness, connection, and holiday warmth.