Real Estate Agents Reach Out

O'Connor goes to his friends and colleagues to find out who will adopt an

elderly person for the holiday season. "Some people choose to supply gifts

for six or seven people at once," said O'Connor. "Some of these people are

bedridden and no one comes to visit them. Sadly, sometimes we are the only

visitors they have during the holidays. We want to let these people know

they're not forgotten."

Many of O'Connor's colleagues from Coldwell Banker have participated in the program, which has become so popular that now agents from other organizations have taking part as well. Marcia Hawken, a real estate agent with Downing-Frye Realty, recently purchased and wrapped gifts for five nursing home residents.

Paul Graffy, a real estate agent with Premier Properties, is also very

active in adopting residents along with wrapping and distributing their

gifts. The gifts will be delivered in a huge red pick-up truck decorated as

a sleigh. O'Connor and friends will deliver the gifts on Dec. 19 and 20. This year, local participants are making it a family affair. They will bring their children along to deliver the gifts.

This year, O'Connor's program will supply gifts for residents of four

nursing homes in Naples, including Buena Vida Retirement Home, Heritage

Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Lakeside Pavilion Rehabilitation and

Nursing Center and Manor Care at Lely Palms.