Stuffed animals lighten spirits
 Santa Claus, known to some as Carol Oakley, brings a teddy bear to Venetta Thomas and Stephen Brown, both of Dover. Volunteering as Santa, Mr. Oakley brings the bears to Delaware Hospice patients throughout Kent County. Delaware State News/Misty Autumn Seemans |
By Misty Autumn Seemans, Delaware State News
DOVER — Christmas came a little early this year to some Kent County families.
Santa Claus, aka Carol Oakley, on behalf of Delaware Hospice, has brought teddy bears to Delaware Hospice patients in Kent County since Dec. 11.
“They needed a Santa Claus and my podiatrist called me,” Mr. Oakley said, jokingly referring to the time he spends on his feet going from home to home.
Russ Kessler, the chaplain of Delaware Hospice, Dover, accompanies him and organized the project.
“It’s the coolest thing I’ve ever done.” Mr. Kessler said.
Venetta Thomas, of Dover, has been a Delaware Hospice patient since September. Santa visited her family on Dec. 15.
“I got me a teddy bear!” she said.
Since July Mrs. Thomas has lived with her daughter, Karen Brown, son-in-law, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Maurice Brown and grandson, Stephen Brown.
Mr. Brown has served in the 379th Civil Engineering squad in Qatar since Labor Day. This is the first Christmas that he will not spend with his wife and son.
Mr. Kessler said that Stephen was told his father had asked Santa to deliver a special teddy bear just for him.
“He was so excited,” Mrs. Brown said.
This is the third year that Delaware Hospice has given bears to patients.
“We wanted to brighten their year up,” Mr. Kessler said.
Delaware Hospice staff members in Dover donated money, which paid for 120 teddy bears to go to 83 patients and their families.
Susan Lloyd is the president and chief executive officer of Delaware Hospice.
“I’m fortunate that they’re part of our Delaware Hospice team,” she said.
Virgie Wheeler of Magnolia has been a Delaware Hospice patient for several months. She said that she loves her new fluffy friend.
“I keep it right on my bed,” she said.
Mr. Kessler and Santa bring more than stuffed animals with them, they bring comfort and prayer.
Pat Davis of Smyrna said that her husband of 40 years, Andrew Davis, is more comfortable at home since they enlisted Delaware Hospice’s services.
“He’s been very open to it,” she said.
Mrs. Davis said that she and her husband liked their teddy bear.
“We’re the kind of people who snuggle,” Mrs. Davis said.
The families are celebrating Christmas differently this year.
The Browns will celebrate Christmas again when Mr. Brown returns from Qatar in January.
“This Christmas we decided it’s going to be very quiet,” Mrs. Davis said.
Ms. Lloyd said that she expects more teddy bears will be given out next year.
“We want to be supportive of their efforts.”
And Mr. Oakley’s podiatrist is on call
Delaware
Hospice is accredited by JCAHO.
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