MARSHFIELD — Since the holiday season of 2020, the Marshfield Medical Center Home-Delivered Meals program has been delivering Christmas bags to its recipients through an effort known as “Silver Sparks.”
The program began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when home-delivered meal recipients were experiencing increased isolation.
Many had little or no contact with family or friends during the holidays.
“I received many calls from families stating that their parents or loved ones in the Home Delivered Meals program were isolated at home due to the pandemic,” said Kris Hughes, coordinator of the program. “They had no opportunity to see visitors as we approached the holidays. Their loved ones were saddened by being alone and quarantined in their homes. It was a scary time for them.”
To bring comfort to those affected, Hughes worked with volunteers and donors to create Silver Sparks.
The program provides holiday gift bags to elderly, disabled, and homebound individuals throughout Marshfield.
“Many recipients were in dire need of a ‘little spark’ to lift their spirits during the holidays,” Hughes said.
More than 150 residents benefit each year from donations that include mittens, socks, hot cocoa mix, candies, ornaments, Sudoku books and decks of cards.
The items are packed in festive gift bags and delivered along with meals, extending to individuals on dialysis and those in respite care.
“The initiative was a huge success, thanks to the many people who donated items,” Hughes said. “The project took on a life of its own. We received unbelievable donations. Silver Sparks did what it was meant to do — it touched so many hearts.”
Collection boxes for this year’s program are available in the Marshfield Medical Center cafeteria through Dec. 13, with additional drop-off locations at the Marshfield United Way Office and the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Hughes, who also oversees Marshfield’s Home-Delivered Meals Program, said the need for such services continues to grow.
“It is imperative during these trying times for the elderly and disabled — with all of the cuts to government programs and food share — that we get the word out about our program,” Hughes said.
The Home-Delivered Meals Program serves around 125 residents year-round with the help of more than 130 volunteer drivers.
The addition of Silver Sparks each December provides an extra source of comfort to recipients who may otherwise spend the holidays alone.
For more information, contact Hughes at (715) 387-9585 or hughes.kristin@marshfieldclinic.org.
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