When asked what their plans were for the holidays, many residents at COTS had similar responses. They didn’t have any special arrangements with family, or it just wasn’t possible to go home. This is the case every year for our residents, which is why it’s so important for COTS to serve as a place to call “home.”

On the evening of Tuesday, December 16th, we held our annual resident holiday party. To open up the night, our Outreach Coordinator announced resident milestones, celebrating everything from anniversaries to birthdays. A festive meal, provided by the Holiday Inn in Appleton, Rotary Club of Appleton West and Network Health, was served shortly thereafter. Residents gazed upon the hearty buffet of chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, rolls and dessert of course, wide-eyed.

Upon finishing the delicious meal, it was time for the much-awaited gift opening. We would especially like to thank 91.9/91.5 The Family for coordinating their annual Christmas Care Program and Thrivent Financial for donating the special backpacks filled with goodies, not to mention the enthusiastic volunteers from Christ the King Lutheran Church who single-handedly stuffed the additional gift bags for each resident. Thanks to everyone mentioned, in addition to the numerous kind-hearted individuals and organizations in our community who support COTS, we were able to give our residents a holiday to remember!

It is impossible to describe the amount of joy and gratitude that filled the air that night. Residents were simply overwhelmed by the generosity of those around them. In fact, while opening gifts, one resident exclaimed, “This is too much…I may never come back down to earth!”Others let their faces do the talking. Looking around the room, every face was lit up, mimicking the colored lights that adorned the tree. Even the simplest of gifts, like a pair of winter gloves, did not go unappreciated.

Because of the overwhelming support and generosity of our neighbors, the residents of COTS truly felt at home for the holidays.