Helping St. Nicholas!

A few weeks ago, I got a hair-brained idea:  Wouldn’t it be neat to celebrate St. Nicholas by having our residents put out their shoes the night before his feast? 
 
We always did that as kids, and I brought the idea to our convent.  We’ve been doing it over there for several years now. 
 
We’ve never done it with our residents, though.  Can you imagine preparing fifty goodie bags to put in shoes left outside the doors of their rooms/apartments? 
 
Well, that’s just what I spent the past two hours doing here at the front desk! 
 
I had put the word out about this idea, and said that we’d appreciate donations of little treats for our residents.  The response was heartwarming. 
 
Someone from a nearby food bank brought over excess candy, and a friend of ours brought granola bars.  A family member of a resident brought little gift wrapped items, so I can only guess what these are!  Sr. Elaine even picked up small bags of assorted popcorns when she was in Fargo last week.
 
It’s really neat. 
 
Earlier today, I reminded Sr. Elaine that I need to borrow her Santa hat since I want to wear it tomorrow night when distributing the little goodie bags. 
 
It will be fun! 
 
I hope our residents enjoy the goodies!
 
PS: If you know anyone here at St. Anne’s, please don’t tell them what they’ll be getting from our friend, St. Nick.  He wants his helper to keep it as a surprise!