Silver Angels spread Christmas cheer at local rehab facilities

COEUR d'ALENE — Volunteers of Silver Angels for the Elderly often wear feathery halos as they bring joy to residents of rehabilitation facilities.

Those angelic accessories were fittingly worn Dec. 15 as the Angels and American Heritage Girls, accompanied by jolly old St. Nick, visited Ivy Court and Silver Ridge Care.

"American Heritage Girls gave the residents beautiful Christmas songs and handcrafted cards," Silver Angels for the Elderly founder Diane Zell said Friday. "Santa, AKA Dave Sheldon, delighted the residents with his presence and presents. The joyful choir and Santa went down the halls to the bedbound residents handing out gifts and cookies."

Volunteers with Silver Angels and the American Heritage Girls filled 140 gift bags for the residents at Ivy Court and Silver Ridge, with support and donations from a local church and local businesses.

"We are grateful for the donations which came from Pilgrim’s Market, Thrivent and Candlelight Christian Fellowship," Zell said.

Silver Angels is dedicated to bringing joy to isolated residents and rehabs by celebrating most holidays and delivering birthday presents on the residents' birthdays. Every year, the volunteer group gathers items such as gloves, hats, socks, notebooks, calendars, blankets, activity books and more to fill gift bags to brighten the days of those in long-term care.

Although the former nonprofit is now a social club focused on Silver Ridge and Ivy Court, its volunteers continue their devotion to bringing God's love to those who may not otherwise have many visitors or nearby family members.

"We welcome anyone who has a love for those who so need to be reminded that they are cherished and not forgotten," Zell said.

    Silver Angels volunteers and American Heritage Girls filled 140 gift bags for the residents at Ivy Court and Silver Ridge Care rehabs before joyfully delivering the presents Dec. 15.