The true meaning of Christmas is love. John 3:16-17 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
Emerson, a third-grader at George West Primary, made a decision a few months ago that she wanted to buy everyone at the Live Oak Nursing Home a Christmas present. “I was afraid that some of them [nursing home residents] did not have family near and wouldn’t get a present for Christmas,” said Emerson.
She started saving her money and decided that she wanted to buy them fleece throws. Her mother, Bridget Emerson, said, “She set up a bucket in her bedroom that read: ‘for the nursing home’. Almost all her money went to the bucket.”
While at Wal-Mart this week Emerson saw the fleece throws were on sale and she wanted to get them, but had not reached her goal. She asked her parents if she could dip into her savings to buy the throws. Yet, it wasn’t enough because she knew there were 100 patients at the nursing home. Finally with the help of family members and the Wal-Mart management donation of a $25 gift card she was ready to buy the throws.
On Tuesday morning (Dec. 8) before school Emerson was very excited. “All she could say all day was, ‘I cannot wait until tonight!’ Last night as she was passing out the throws and some of the patients were asleep. She gently placed the throw with a bow tied on it where the resident could see it when they woke up,” said Bridget Emerson.
“Maybe they will think that Santa was here,” said Emerson.
Emerson knew her efforts were worth more than any treasure when one resident said, “This is probably the only Christmas present I will get.”
“That was exactly what she was trying to accomplish. We are so proud of her,” said Bridget Emerson.
“Elizabeth is a wonderful example for children to follow when it comes to admiring and respecting the elderly. She cares deeply for the elderly. She took it upon herself, and chose to use her proceeds from selling her hog at the Live Oak County, to purchase throws for each of our loving residents,” said Live Oak Nursing Home Administrator Joe Feist.
Elizabeth Emerson is already making plans to pass out gifts at the nursing home next year if she can save up enough money.
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