When does a new bathrobe mean more than its price tag? Or, how about slippers or a bottle of hand soap?

These items and similar ones count significantly more when they arrive gift-wrapped and in the lap of homebound older person.

For over a decade, Meritan’s Silver Bells adoption gift program alleviates a period of otherwise loneliness during the season of no-so-cheerful for over 200 older people longing for lost loved ones or companionship at Christmas.

The Silver Bells’ gifts signify that someone cares just for them individually.

Beginning during the COVID crisis, mental illness continues to be a focus on the mainstream working-class population, as it should. But a poor state of mind equally and just as easily plays into the stable health of our seniors, who often face restricting ailments.

Research studies conducted confirm what common sense tells us for about one-third of older adults, ages 50-80: depression undermines the physical.

In 2024, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) noted that social isolation in older adults is a public health concern linked to higher rates of dementia, heart disease, stroke, depression and anxiety.

The sparkling holiday affair, bolstered by ubiquitous advertising, raises personal expectations. This anticipated bliss, combined with the longing to share precious time with a deceased relative, directly fosters the hardest time of the year - not the most wonderful one for many.

It’s therefore unsurprising that Silver Bell recipients echo words like “precious,” “special” and “emotional” when asked about opening boxes containing blankets, pajamas and candles.

“Someone thought about me!” said one.

To bring a holiday smile to a homebound resident this December, it’s easy: Click on Meritan’s Silver Bells website and virtually adopt a Silver Bell; get preferred items each one has listed; and ship them to Meritan or take them during the week to four area drop-off locations through Dec. 12.

*Downtown at Meritan’s office, 345 Adams Ave (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

*East Memphis at Christ Methodist, 4488 Poplar Ave (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)

*Raleigh at Open Arms Care, 512 Yale Rd (8 a.m.-4 p.m.)

*Midtown at Enrichment Center at Idlewild, 1750 Union Ave (7 a.m.- 6 p.m.)

Or you can give financially online.

Let one in society’s most vulnerable population know that you want them to have a happy, healthy holiday.