Huggables to bring holiday cheer: Mitzvah Day

The Palm Coast chapter of Hadassah brought 100 stuffed animals to give to residents of Flagler Health and Rehabilitation Center Tuesday, Dec. 15.

By Anastasia Pagello
| 12:00 p.m. December 15, 2015

"He is lovely, he will keep me company," Margaret Goulding said. Photos by Anastasia Pagello

Diane Schwalb, Faith Kaskisto, Shelley Keig, Edna Alex, Muriel Levy, Sondra Cogan, Elaine Fusco, Claire Inkpen, Linda Goldman, Naida Beliveau, Clara Youngblade, Rachel Aharonoreitz, Frieda Friedman and Judy Jellinek

Delores Perri was given a hand made bear, made by Hadassah member Edna Alex.

"The stuffed animals are so beautiful, you can really connect with them." Margot Schweiger said. "I look forward to this visit every year."

Hanalei dancer Barbara West performing Hanalei Moon to entertain the residents at Flagler Pines Nursing Home.

Sebastian Ifangino holds his new huggable friend close.

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“I have three others, one of which also has white fur,” Flakadene Tidmore began to say, resident of Flagler Health and Rehabilitation Center, after receiving her Huggables gift.

“Oh, would you like me to bring you one with a different color?” a Hadassah member asked.

"I appreciate your presents, it has really put me in the holiday mood," Flakadene Tidmore said. "His name will be Special; he has a permanent smile on his face."

“No, no, no! I love it. I really love it,” Tidmore said, as she gazed down and admired her new friend.

The Palm Coast chapter of Hadassah has made an annual tradition to bring the residents of Flagler Health and Rehabilitation Center stuffed animals. So far the organization has gifted roughly 1,320 Huggables to seniors in Flagler County over the course of 12 years.

“Well my mother had Alzheimer’s,” Sondra Cogan said, founder of the Huggables tradition. “Her stuffed animals always covered her bed, and I saw how she treated them as her friends.” The Hadassah adopted the idea and has been collecting the toys year round ever since. “We have chosen to come to Flagler Health and Rehabilitation Center year after year because the residents seem really grateful to

receive the gifts,” she continued. “Now they look forward to us coming every year.”

“Mitzvah Day: to do a kindness to create happiness.” Diane Schwalb, Chairman of the Palm Coast chapter of Hadassah

This year the residents also received a special dance performance by Flagler County’s Hanalei Dancers. Residents were encouraged to sing and dance along to familiar songs with the dancers, such as ‘Silent Night.’

“I am so grateful these women take their time to come and help us have a nice holiday,”

Flagler Health and Rehabilitation Center resident Marjorie Gnassi said. “It would not feel like Christmas without their visit.”