AUSTIN, Texas — A Central Texas Assisted Living facility is doing its part to give back during the holiday season.
Buda Oaks Assisted Living facility donated 142 books and 42 hand-stuffed animals to children in need through the Travis County’s Brown Santa program.
Roughly 30 residents from the facility made it happen by raising the money all on their own. According to Community Relations Director Crista Wallace, residents put together a dinner fundraiser back in October where they raised $800.
That money was then matched by JCI Senior Housing – giving residents $1,600 to spend on reading material for children. Wallace said through a partnership with Barnes & Noble they were able to get around $1,900 worth of books.
“This should be a great example of how much seniors can impact their community still,” said Wallace. “This is a wonderful time to share.”
Resident Beth Ising, who pitched in, said that the good deed was worth the effort so long as the children getting the gifts have something to look forward to.
“We want each child to have at least one book of their own … That would be wonderful, and we do what we can to make that happen.”
Wallace said this was the fourth Christmas the Buda Oaks community has participated. However, Susan LaBree, the Executive Director at Buda Oaks, has been part of the program for well over a decade.
Wallace mentioned that officials with the program already collected the donations.
“It’s a really good feeling to know that those children will have something,” Laverne McClendon said.