On Saturday, Dec. 21, Ridgefield residents Jan Haig and Janet Mashburn brought holiday cheer to 32 Ridgefield Living Center assisted living facility residents, delivering hundreds of gifts ranging from simple necessities to heartfelt surprises.
Haig and Mashburn launched Operation Secret Santa for Ridgefield Assisted Living in 2016 after noticing the center lacked a holiday gift program. Initially focused on providing basic necessities like socks, underwear and slippers for those in need, the initiative has grown significantly over the years.
Since the operation’s second year, Ridgefield community members fulfill three personalized gift wishes for every resident at the assisted living facility. Mashburn emphasized the unwavering generosity of the community, noting that every request has been met annually.
“We haven’t been disappointed. The community of Ridgefield is just very generous, and they have shown up in abundance every year,” Mashburn said.
Staff at the living center compile a list of three gift requests per resident, displayed as tags on a Christmas tree at Seasons Coffee Tea & Remedies, a café located in downtown Ridgefield’s Old Liberty Theatre where Haig works. The requests range from everyday items like socks and sweaters to specialized gifts like cassette tapes and video games.
Haig and Mashburn also provide a donation box at the café to collect funds for any unfulfilled gift requests. The two also purchased additional necessities, including socks, underwear and warm clothes, through these donations.
“The back of my car is more or less filled with gifts,” Haig laughed, noting they often meet most requests well ahead of the delivery date.
The pair dedicate countless hours from Thanksgiving to Christmas collecting, tagging, wrapping and delivering the presents. For Haig, the residents’ emotional reactions make the effort deeply rewarding.
“They are in tears most of the time when we deliver, just in getting underwear and socks, which most people overlook, so for that it’s very meaningful,” Haig said.
Mashburn shared how the project has inspired her 15-year-old daughter, Mila, who began helping at age 11. Mila continues to assist each year, joining her mother and volunteer Morgan Rumble to deliver the gifts. Dressed in festive attire, the team brought gifts and holiday cheer to the delighted residents.
“She’s come and delivered to the residents before and, along with her friend who’s the same age, got to witness the joy of giving to someone and making them happy. It’s not all about receiving. It’s about giving to others to make them happy,” Hashburn said.
For updates on their efforts, readers can visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/Ridgefiel dAssistedLivingSecretSanta.
