In 2012, Michelle Mullins, the CEO of Oasis In-Home Care, established the Elves for the Elderly as a non-profit service for Clarksville, TN and the surrounding areas. Michelle has a long history of serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, and veterans in various capacities, including as an in-home caregiver, a registered nurse, and a family member. She has witnessed firsthand the needs, which are sometimes hidden, of these individuals in the community. It caught her attention that many older adults spent the holiday season alone, as many did not have family or friends living nearby, nor a reliable means of finances or transportation to obtain necessities. Many seniors can feel isolated during the holidays, lack companionship, and miss the small joy that makes this time of year so special.
Path to a Heartwarming Holiday Tradition
Determined to make a difference, Michelle, along with Cindy Hancock (former Oasis In-Home Care Community Liaison) launched the Elves for the Elderly drive to provide comfort, connection, and essential items to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and veterans who could benefit from extra support. This event originated as a small initiative within Oasis In-Home Care and has evolved into an annual tradition, now embraced by Oasis staff, community partners, and residents. Since then, each November and December, volunteers and community organizations come together to make this event happen by donating, packaging, and delivering holiday gift bags filled with practical items and thoughtful treats.
- FAQ: What’s in a gift bag?
- Answer: Many are filled with donations such as toiletries, hats, gloves, socks, coats, pajamas, blankets, throws, laundry detergent, dish soap, non-perishable foods, water bottles, mugs, books, puzzles, word games, crossword puzzles, chess sets, checkers, playing cards, and more. These bags continue to grow to meet the essential needs of seniors.
Expanding the Joy
Over the years, this drive has expanded significantly, with donations growing to the hundreds. Elves for the Elderly now averages 150-200 bagged gifts delivered to seniors each holiday season. This number continues to increase thanks to the generous community involvement. While the number of seniors served has grown, the vision is to continue to grow this number to reach more individuals who can benefit from this act of kindness. Many in the community still have unmet needs during the holidays, and Oasis hopes to continue to expand this incredible act of service.
- FAQ: Who qualifies for these gift bags?
- Answer: The simple answer is—everyone! There is no income check required, no qualification process, and no disqualifiers. Many individuals are referred to the program through various pathways, including home health agencies, hospice organizations, caregivers, friends of seniors, and more. Some request bags for their own clients, who they know can use this holiday cheer. At its core, Elves for the Elderly fosters inclusivity: any senior/veteran/disabled client who needs additional support, encouragement, or companionship is welcome to receive a gift.
Timeline of Events
This year, the Elves for the Elderly drive will be accepting donations now until December 22, 2025. Here is a timeline for this year’s events:
- December 18: donation pick-up begins
- December 19-22: volunteers package gifts
- December 22: last day for donations
- December 22-23: gifts delivered to seniors
Ways to Get Involved
As the Elves for the Elderly drive grows, so does the need for volunteers and community partners! If you would like to get involved, Oasis In-Home Care invites you to sign up as a community partner or volunteer here: https://zfrmz.com/dMk0J7leQbiIXRwitoFx.
There are several ways to participate:
- Organizations can host donation bins & be recognized on Oasis social media platforms/webpage
- Individuals can volunteer to pack gifts
- Individuals can volunteer to deliver gifts
Referrals? Contact Us!
Elves for the Elderly reflects our dedication to compassion, service, and the belief that no senior should feel unseen or unsupported during the holiday season. If you know someone in our region who may need a gift bag this season, please call our office today at 931-266-4441.
