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Holiday event will bring a feast, ugly sweaters and gift exchange to Loftin.
By Alison Graef
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
The office of student life is recruiting students to spread holiday cheer to nursing home residents by caroling in festive garb 4-7 p.m. Dec. 9 at St. Francis Nursing Home.
Carrie Hernandez, senior student success specialist, said the goal is to be at the home during dinnertime so residents can enjoy the caroling while they eat. The students will gather at 4 p.m. at the office of student life in Room 260A of Loftin Student Center, and will walk or carpool to the nursing home, which is near this campus at 630 W. Woodlawn Ave.
Afterward, carolers will meet in the Fiesta Room of Loftin for a potluck, ugly Christmas sweater contest and white elephant exchange.
This is the second year student life has hosted a caroling event. Hernandez said the 15 students who went to Chandler Assisted Living last year “had a blast,” so they are bringing it back this year and added the potluck and other activities.
“Last year there was a resident who said, ‘I went to SAC!’ which was awesome,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez said two students missed the caroling last year and were so disappointed that they asked if they could go with Hernandez the following night. Before leaving Loftin to drive to the nursing home, Hernandez saw the boxing team and recruited them to join the fun.
“They were all sweaty, and it was hilarious,” Hernandez said.
Students are encouraged to dress festively and wear ugly holiday sweaters for the ugly Christmas sweater contest at the potluck after the caroling. Ugly Christmas sweaters come from all walks of life — thrifted, new, vintage and handmade — and all are welcome. Prizes will be awarded to winning participants.
For the potluck, both store-bought and home-cooked food is welcome. Students are encouraged to contribute food, but should not worry if they can’t. Hernandez said they never have too little food, and it is most important that students get together and enjoy themselves.
“We always have plenty,” Hernandez said.
The potluck is scheduled to end by 8:30 p.m., but Hernandez said it depends on turnout and how long students want to stay.
“The students start talking and having fun, so who knows,” Hernandez said.
Also planned for the evening is a white elephant exchange. Students should bring wrapped gifts to participate in the exchange.
For more information, call the office of student life at 210-486-0125.
