The Hermitage is a retirement center located in Rockingham which offers help for people in need of assistance — a place that has touched the heart of Tiffany Dunn.
She and her 6-year-old son, D.J., have been visiting the center for the past three years bringing individually wrapped, homemade pound cake to all the residents and staff.
The center was decorated beautifully for the residents to enjoy; a large Christmas tree stood in view greeting all who arrived. The echo of songs rang through the hallway, coming from a group of visitors singing and playing instruments in a room where the residents gathered for church; some joining in and singing along. Others were enjoying a meal in the cafeteria area, some resting in their rooms, and a few visiting in the hallway.
Administrative Assistant Carolyn Brown greeted everyone, then escorted them through the facility.
“We all appreciate seeing our residents smile as they receive each treat,” Brown said.
Dunn has a family member and a close friend at the center that she visits regularly. One day, she decided she wanted to take her visits a bit further — visiting all the residents during the holiday season with a special treat for each one.
D.J. was only 4 years old when he started going with her on the visits. Dunn said he looks forward to it, as he helps hand out the treats.
This year D.J. was dressed in holiday style, as he wore Santa glasses and a snowman shirt decorated for the season bringing smiles to the residents. D.J.’s cousin, Kaitlynn Green, and several of Dunn’s co-workers, including her boss, joined in this year’s visit.
Dunn hopes instilling the value of giving to others in her son D.J. at an early age will remain with him the rest of his life.
“Christmas is time to share love,” Dunn said. “Teaching my son that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and showing love to everyone is very important to me.
“This year I was able to invite my American Woodmark work family to join me,” Dunn continued. “It means a lot to connect at work as well as in the community, but most of all to spread joy to the sick and shut-ins.”
Dunn also mentioned that she appreciated the Richmond Observer for taking their time in joining her in her visits and covering the story each year.
A few of the residents didn’t have family that were able to visit, or didn’t have family at all. Dunn wanted to do something extra special for them, so they wouldn’t feel left out.
She put together two stockings full of goodies: one for a lady and one for a man. That way, they could also feel the special love from receiving a gift just for them.
Hermitage Administrator Ray Robinson thanked everyone who came out. He was unable to be there due to a death in his immediate family, but said on a phone call, “We are so grateful to partner with faith-based groups to create a lasting change in the Rockingham community. Many of our people here may not have family nearby, so I appreciate the dedication to all donating through the holidays, making it special for our residents.”
Dunn’s infectious inspiration not only brings joy to those receiving, but also to those giving. Afterall, the Bible tells us in Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
