St. Irenaeus’ Care Center Giving Tree Parties

By Rosemary Lewallen

Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a team of elves brought holiday cheer to four local long-term care facilities in December as part of St. Irenaeus Church’s annual Giving Tree outreach. The effort, coordinated by the St. Irenaeus Health Ministry, delivered gift bags to every resident at the four carecenters the parish serves weekly: Orange County Health in Buena Park, Anaheim Terrace, The Karlton Residential in Anaheim, and Harvest Retirement in Buena Park.

In total, 327 gift bags were distributed by volunteers dressed for the season. In addition, the ministry provided 56 hand-knit prayer shawls to homebound individuals. All gifts were donated by St. Irenaeus parishioners and members of the Shawl Ministry, under the leadership of Health Ministry Chair Donna Kriesel.

Each Giving Tree celebration featured live music, with singers leading residents in traditional Christmas carols. Guitarist Alissa Rose accompanied performances at two of the facilities. Vocalists represented three choral groups: the St. Irenaeus Parish Choir, the Osher Lifelong Learning Chorus, and the NOCE Cypress Senior Chorus. Residents and community members were encouraged to sing along, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The outreach required extensive coordination and volunteer support. Organizers thanked Health Ministry Co-Facilitators Faith Community Nurse Jennifer Dagarag and JoAnn Pyne for overseeing the project, along with Care Center Co-Chairs Grace Francis and Jan Williams. 

Appreciation was also extended to the volunteer singers and musicians recruited and directed by Rosemary Lewallen.

Residents expressed gratitude for the visits and the sense of connection created during the events. 

Those interested in learning more about the Care Center Ministry may contact Care Center Co-Chair Grace Francis at 714-742-0960 or Nurse Jennifer at 714-826-0760. 

The ministry provides weekly communion services at all four care centers and welcomes additional volunteers.