We pass assisted living and memory care communities every day without giving much thought to the people who live there. Residents rely on each other and the staff around them, forming routines, friendships and small circles of familiarity. During the holidays, many residents can feel lonely, especially if thier families live far away or are no longer able to visit.

That quieter season is what led Melissa Denham, a dementia specialist who has worked closely with seniors, to start the Silver Tree Project after the idea came to her last November while she was at home listening to Christmas music.

“Angel Tree programs support children during the holidays,” she says. “But I couldn’t stop thinking about seniors who might be overlooked during the same season. I’ve always loved working with seniors, and I knew this was something I could help with.”

That same night, Melissa applied online to become a 501(c)(3) and shared the idea in a local Facebook Word of Mouth group. She expected modest interest. Instead, donations and volunteers stepped forward almost immediately.

“My initial goal was to visit 50 seniors,” she says. “With help from my family, we ended up delivering gifts and spending time with nearly 120 individuals across three facilities.”

This year, planning began earlier. By September, volunteers had already started meeting and organizing. In November, nearly 30 people gathered to prepare gift bags and coordinate logistics for delivery day, which took place last Saturday.

This year, the number grew to 250 seniors and other residents of assisted living.

Volunteers met at Trinity Assembly of God in Fruitland Park before dividing into small groups and heading out to nearby assisted living and memory care communities, including Avante in Leesburg, South Campus Care Center, Cypress Care, Savannah Manor and Chatham Glen.

Carrie Walker, who previously worked with Melissa in dementia care, says the project encourages people to slow down and consider how quickly circumstances can change.

“There by the grace of God go I,” Carrie says. “Any one of us could be in that bed one day. I think about how I would want to be treated if I were in that position, and that’s what inspires me to reach out.”

Carrie says the holidays can be especially challenging for seniors who feel disconnected from family traditions they once shared.

“People hear about places like The Villages and think there isn’t need,” she says. “They don’t realize how many people feel alone.”

She says expectations around Christmas can make that loneliness more noticeable.

“When those expectations aren’t met because someone is alone, it can be painful,” she says. “We try to step into that gap.”

For many volunteers, the mission is personal. Tracy McDaniel became involved through Melissa’s dementia group. Her mother, who lives with her, has Alzheimer’s, and volunteering has become a family effort.

“My mom is here, my husband’s here,” Tracy says. “It’s become a family affair.”

Intergenerational involvement has also become part of the project. Karen Gunn, a volunteer with Okahumpka 4-H, says connecting children with seniors helps build awareness and empathy.

“It reminds kids that seniors need care and connection, too,” Karen says. “Every time I’ve seen seniors spend time with kids, it makes them happy.”

At the final stop of the day, Senior “Miss Julia” mentioned her love of handwritten cards and chocolate. Melissa made sure she received both, along with a small Christmas tree topped with a paper angel made by Mr. Don Dickey, who is 93 and makes hundreds of these angels each year out of recycled Christmas cards. 

Melissa says that all the volunteers and kindness are what keep the project moving forward.

“This started as one small idea,” she says. “What keeps it going is the people giving of their time and caring about others.”

Photos by Gina Horan