Photo courtesy of Home Helpers Home Care of Bradenton.

On December 17, Home Helpers Home Care of Bradenton hosted the inaugural Holly Jolly Trolley Christmas Parade bringing holiday cheer, festive joy and heartfelt moments to seniors across Manatee County. With Santa at the helm of the trolley, the event honored the invaluable contributions of seniors while highlighting the power of connection and community during the holiday season.

Residents, staff and volunteers came together to sing carols, dance and reminisce, filling the air with laughter and warmth. Each stop was made even more festive by the sound of joyful bells, and, Santa's arrival on the trolley sparked unforgettable moments of smiles and happiness. One volunteer at the event, Terra Roark, was especially grateful for her time spent with the seniors: “By letting me volunteer for this event, you’ve given me the greatest Christmas present ever. I had so much fun, and there were moments that made me cry happy tears.”

This special day was made possible by the generosity of local organizations that sponsored and participated in the event, including: My Care Finders, WeCare Senior Relocation Services, Still Alive Inside and The Windsor of Bradenton (who helped bring Santa to life!)

The six communities that embraced the spirit of the parade and brightened their days with the magical visit from Santa included Surrey Place, Brookdale Pointe West, Heritage Park Care & Rehabilitation Center, The Windsor of Bradenton, Inspired Living at Hidden Lakes, Water's Edge of Bradenton. "Thank you for making this the most special time of the year," said John Coley, a resident at Inspired Living at Hidden Lakes. "I truly believe my wife, watching from heaven, was smiling down upon us that day."

"My favorite moment was at The Windsor of Bradenton when we asked the residents about their favorite Christmas memory," shares Sissy Ramos of Home Helpers Home Care of Bradenton. "Ruth, one of the residents, shared that she hadn’t cried in a long time but felt like crying with us there. She fondly remembered her childhood in Germany, where her father would sing 'Silent Night' to her in German. It was such a heartfelt and touching moment."

The Holly Jolly Trolley not only brought joy to residents but also lit up the entire Manatee County community. People along the route waved, sang and joined in the festive spirit, making this inaugural event a magical occasion that will be cherished for years to come.

Photo courtesy of Home Helpers Home Care of Bradenton.