The warmth of a handmade item: “Sunshine around my neck”

February 19, 2026

The warmth of the holiday giving season is lasting long into the new year, thanks to Full Life Care’s generous donors and supporters.

This winter, hundreds of clients across Full Life’s array of home and community-based programs and services received gifts including:

 

    • 60 prefilled gift bags from Lutheran Community Services Northwest’s Santa for Seniors program

Staff from Adult Day Health Care and Housing Stabilization and Supports were among those who hand-delivered handmade surprises. “Every scarf and quilt and hat was adored by my clients. I was so thrilled to have them to give the clients – especially those that I knew would not have anything else,” shared Mae Hochstetler, Health Home Care Coordinator. “One said this scarf made her feel like there was sunshine around her neck with the bright colors. Another wore that scarf every day and sometimes even to bed. She appreciated the hard work that was put into it. To her it was extremely special and made just for her.”

Gifts have also been practical, fulfilling unmet needs. “My client needed a new blanket for his wheelchair and shared that the quilt keeps him very warm. He has taken it with him to the hospital and uses it frequently at home,” shared Sequioa Sledge, Housing Stabilization and Supports Behavioral Health Specialist.

Moreover, gifts have provided comfort and hope. Timothy Stephens, Housing Stabilization and Supports Clinical Liaison Supervisor reflected on the way a gift felt especially meaningful knowing, “It has been a difficult year for a client who has continued to struggle with a host of medically complex issues. He was very grateful, especially since other blankets he had were in bad shape or not large enough.”

Our Home Care team uplifted spirits by mailing handcrafted greeting cards, complete with handwritten words of encouragement, to each of its 680+ clients. 

“These cards help seniors and vulnerable adults feel better connected to their communities, to ensure they feel a little less alone,” explained Julian Reisenthel, Home Care Director. “Many of our clients are very isolated,” added Krystina Eron, Home Care Supervisor. “During the holiday time, this loneliness can be intensified. By receiving a card, they know they are thought of and valued. It can completely transform their day! I think they feel seen.”

Thank you to all Full Life supporters for making such a meaningful difference in the lives of our clients, enabling us to uphold services that are rooted in dignity, compassion, and community.

 

Learn more about donating, volunteering, and additional ways to give at https://fulllifecare.org/ways-to-give.

Categories: Program Stories