On December 18th, known as the “Happy Flower Lady” of Philadelphia, Patricia Gallagher brought new blankets to Hayes Manor Nursing Home, marking her first act of donating blankets to the elderly this year. Just before Christmas, she donated 130 blankets.
Over the past decade, Gallagher has gifted over 2,000 handmade blankets, especially bringing warmth and comfort to the elderly during the Christmas season. She has also given 11,000 donated stuffed toys and over 65,000 bouquets of flowers.
Robyn Burns, the administrator of Hayes Manor Nursing Home, expressed gratitude for Gallagher’s selfless dedication over the past 15 years, saying, “She always brings us flowers and stuffed animals. Today she brought us many warm blankets, especially useful at this time of year. Every time she visits, our residents are delighted and grateful.”
Gallagher’s act of gifting warm blankets to the elderly at the nursing home has brought immense joy and gratitude among the residents.
Edward Kipp, a Navy veteran who served on Destroyers, was delighted to receive a free blanket and expressed his gratitude to Gallagher. Kipp said, “I received a black and white blanket, it’s great, very soft and cozy. Better than what I could buy. It will keep me warm this winter. I don’t know how to express my gratitude.”
Elizabeth Baglivo, who has been living at the nursing home for 12 years, was thrilled to receive her “Christmas” blanket. She exclaimed, “It’s wonderful! Very soft, very cozy. My room is cold because it’s downstairs at the back, so a warm blanket like this will definitely come in handy.”
Lizetta Rodgers expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who donated the blankets. She said, “I am very excited about this blanket as it will keep my legs warm. It’s a very thoughtful gift for this time of year. Red is my favorite color. I’m grateful for everything I have.”
Beverly Rawlins, the activities director at the nursing home, also praised Gallagher’s kindness, stating, “I love when she comes here because she always does something good for our residents. The residents are very happy, always smiling and thanking her. It’s not just about the blankets, her visits to the elderly deserve commendation.”
Since 1886, Hayes Manor Nursing Home has been providing services to financially limited elderly individuals, offering decent housing and healthcare.
What prompted the “Happy Flower Lady” to start this blanket donation initiative?
Gallagher recalled being told by a nursing home that “words cannot express everything you do – sending greeting cards and blankets, as many here, 60% to 64% of them, have no one visiting. No Santa Claus.” One visit with her mother to a nursing home left a lasting impression, prompting her to start this heartfelt project of giving blankets to the elderly.
Her mother once asked a lady there, “What would Santa Claus bring you?” The lady replied, “There’s no Santa Claus here, no children. Nobody comes (to visit her).” Her mother asked, “Dorothy, if Santa Claus came, what would you want him to bring?” Dorothy said, “I want a flannel nightgown like my grandmother made for me.” Gallagher and her mother then went to Penny’s at Montgomery Mall and bought Dorothy two flannel nightgowns. The lady was very happy. Since then, Gallagher has handed out over 2,000 blankets.
Gallagher mentioned that her daughter also inspired her to start this blanket project. When her four children grew up and left home, she felt a bit aimless and somewhat down one day, and her daughter said, “Mom, you haven’t fully expressed your love, like a car needing gas. You need to do things that make you happy.”
As Gallagher gives kindness to others, she also acknowledges being deeply moved herself. She is truly inspired by the people who donate so much to her. The 2,000 blankets she previously gifted were all handmade.
Gallagher recalled the first batch of 40 blankets came from a lady named Alfredo, who crocheted around 40 beautiful blankets and 60 prayer shawls while watching TV. Another lady from North Wales, suffering from cancer and losing 65 pounds due to the illness, made over 150 blankets and prayer shawls at home to give to the elderly.
This holiday season, Gallagher posted on her website, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Craigslist asking her friends to donate blankets for the nursing home, and many people responded positively. Gallagher remarked, “People are very generous. They go to Walmart or Boscov’s, or order online. Some people I don’t even know donated blankets, they just wanted to participate.”
Gallagher reminds everyone of the enormous power of kindness. A small act of kindness, whether through flowers, blankets, or a simple visit, can have immeasurable impact on someone’s life.