The holidays are a great time of year for spending time with friends and family, but it can be challenging and stressful too. For those experiencing or who have experienced poverty, it can be truly difficult. With the help of volunteers, Mercy Housing made sure residents got to experience holiday cheer this year. Those who were struggling this holiday season got a little extra support. Volunteers from Dignity Health and Mercy Foundation in Sacramento partnered with us to make sure that all residents know that someone cares about them.

Dignity Health employees provided the toys and the Mercy Foundation provided the volunteers and joined us at Land Park Woods and Crossroad Gardens to decorate community spaces, serve a delicious holiday meal and help distribute holiday gifts.

Residents loved the festivities and felt a sense of belonging at their Mercy Housing community and within the greater community as well. Creating the perfect holiday all by yourself can be expensive and stress filled, but volunteers helped to relieve that pressure so that residents could focus on what really matters … making memories with people they care about.

“It was nice seeing residents come together and enjoy each other’s company. To have someone else take their time to care about us and be able to sit down and enjoy the dinner and watch the kids get excited over their presents was a great gift for us.” – Paula, Mercy Housing Resident