When East Texas’s Higginbotham family decided to give back this holiday season, they didn’t think much of it.
The family — consisting of mom Ariel, dad Jared, and their six kids: Sophia, Amira, Zeke, Cami, Jaise, and Ezra — started “Operation Christmas Tree” with the intention of bringing the Christmas spirit to local nursing home residents in their community of Nacogdoches, Texas.
But after they delivered some mini trees, blankets, and other holiday decorations to their elderly neighbors, the give-back spark grew into a flame.
“Some of them are in their room quite a bit throughout the day, it’s just the same thing each day, and just maybe having that tree just bringing that light and uplifting the Christmas spirit in the room is really important,” Ariel told ABC 9 News.
After seeing the impact of even just one small Christmas tree, they came back to the nursing home, bringing painted canvases, candy canes, cookies, stuffed animals, and grippy socks to spread even more cheer.
The items were collected from others in the community after the family shared their project on social media.
“As Christmas gets closer, we’re getting ready to bring a little extra light, love, and Jesus to residents at a local nursing home, reminding them they’re seen, valued, and deeply cared for this season,” they shared online in a call for donations.
“Our top priorities are blankets and grippy socks, but snacks and basic bathroom essentials are also appreciated.”
The Higginbothams did the heavy lifting, coordinating item pick-ups, and going out to buy supplies with monetary donations.
“Every share, prayer, and contribution truly matters,” the family shared on Facebook. “Thank you for helping us love others well this Christmas.”
Seeing how the nursing home residents lit up, the Higginbothams realized this could be something even bigger than their grassroots effort, and the Timeless Compassion Project was born.
A representation of the community’s interest in donating, combined with the desire to do even more good for community elders, the family plans to apply for a 501c3 after the holidays so they can “continue blessing the seniors in Nacogdoches all year long,” as well as branch further into East Texas.
“I feel like a lot of time … they typically go to the homeless, they go to the children, and the nursing home typically get forgotten,” Ariel told ABC 9, of the ways people typically give back during the holidays.
“And some of them don’t have any family in the area,” Jared added, “They don’t ever get any visitors, so it's nice to have a face to talk to, as well.”
While this year’s endeavors were dedicated just to Willowbrook Nursing Home, the Higginbothams saw an outpouring of support from local community donors and hope that next year will be even bigger.
“Thank you so much for partnering with us this Christmas season to bless a local nursing home,” the family shared on Facebook.
“Every resident was so surprised and so very thankful. Be on the lookout for next year's schedule after the new year. We are working on new ways to help the residents and would love to have each and everyone of you involved. Every piece of help you give is noticed and so appreciated.”
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