CULLMAN, Ala. – Woodland Village Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center is preparing for its largest fall carnival yet after a four-year hiatus due to COVID-19. While the lawns are already covered in spooky inflatables, and the reception area boasts dangling conical witch hats and festive Halloween decor, Woodland Village needs just one more thing to make the return of the carnival successful: candy.
Administrator Emily Holcomb buzzed with excitement as she shared details about the fall carnival: food trucks, games, fellowship and, of course, candy are all on the agenda. Holcomb said that while in years prior to COVID, Woodland Village would gather anywhere from 1,400 to 1,600 pounds of candy to be given out by the seniors, this year they’re sitting at around 600 pounds, with less than a week to go before the carnival.
“We get a lot of donations from local businesses, and our staff of course,” she said, explaining the sources of the candy to be distributed. While the donations are always graciously accepted and appreciated, Woodland Village is finding itself in a tight spot this year. With the joy of both the seniors and the community on the line, the pressure is on.
Holcomb said there is no donation too big or too small, and givers can be eligible for a donation slip typically filed with taxes.
“Anything helps, even just one bag of candy,” she nodded.
Holcomb also explained that while hundreds of pounds of candy may not seem like a big deal to some, it makes a world of difference for seniors who have entered assisted living facilities, saying that this is an event residents look forward to all year long.
“The biggest thing about this event is that it’s the first time it’ll be hosted since before COVID, so our residents are so excited about all of it!” she said.
When asked about what numbers to expect, Holcomb gleefully shared, “We’ll probably have about 60 or 70 residents outside!”
She also requested that families bring their children out, not only to join in on all the carnival fun, but also to help the seniors socialize and feel a bit less lonely, saying that while a lot of residents choose to sit this one out, it’s a crucial opportunity for connection between generations, especially around the holidays.
“It’s open to anyone, though we do sometimes tend to cause a traffic jam!” she laughed, noting the facility’s close proximity to an intersection.
Woodland Village Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center’s fall carnival will be held Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. To donate candy, simply bring it to the front desk.
For more information about Woodland Village Nursing home, visit https://tinyurl.com/WVHCC2023.
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