Calvin James Teasley’s face lit up with joy when Belmont University staff members delivered Christmas cheer and a poinsettia to his I. W. Gernet Homes apartment. Instead of strangers, he said, he greeted friends who he has come to expect every December.
The Office of Spiritual Development, a dozen other Belmont staff and their children brought 90 poinsettias to the residents of I. W. Gernet Homes on Dec. 19 during its fourth annual poinsettia delivery.
“They love it and look forward to it every year,” said Chandra Sales-Taylor, leasing assistant for the complex that provides public housing to senior citizens. “Poinsettias are so colorful and what Belmont does represents what Christmas is all about. It also gives the residents something to decorate their homes with.”
Vice President for Spiritual Development Todd Lake said, “We already have relationship with the Edgehill community, and we always look for another way to connect. It is wonderful to see the residents brightened and smiling. We hear their stories, and it allows us to make the human connection with those we serve.”
The idea came from Judy Fisher, who wanted to find homes for the poinsettias used to decorate campus, Lake said.
