The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of many iconic events Heritage residents gather together each year to watch in celebration. But, that won’t stop Heritage President and CEO, Lisa Haglund, and her team from kicking off their “Bring the Joy” campaign this holiday season. That includes making sure that the residents of the Heritage senior living communities, get their Thanksgiving Day parade, complete with all the floats, fanfare, and a few extra surprises.
The first ever Heritage Thanksgiving Day parade floats won’t feature stories-high balloons, or live performers, but rather, shoebox floats that will be featured on Heritage’s website, Facebook, and YouTube channels on November 26.
“Our teams have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to provide for our residents as we continue to promote the Heritage mission of promoting Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living to all those entrusted to our care. As we approach the holiday season, they are developing new and innovative ways for our residents to partake in some of the traditional activities they enjoy during what has been a very unprecedented and untraditional year. Our Thanksgiving Day parade is the first of many events we have planned for November and December to “Bring the Joy“ to our residents this year.”
Haglund explained that staff, residents, and even community members and businesses may submit floats designed from shoeboxes for the parade. The floats will be placed together in a virtual “parade” video that will be available beginning Thanksgiving Day to view.
“We will edit all of the floats together in one video, and have a great holiday experience that residents and their families can enjoy viewing together, no matter where they are located.”
A float made out of a shoebox is not required. Participants also can make floats out of soda boxes, empty milk jugs, tissue boxes and other items of a similar size, she said.
“We want people to have fun and get creative. This event, like all of our holiday plans for this year, is all about bringing the joy and magic of the holidays to our residents.” she said.
Participants can view guidelines, register to enter the free shoebox parade and upload photos of their floats for submission via the Heritage Bring the Joy page online, by email to marketing@heritage1886.org, or drop off the float by 5pm on November 15 at their local Heritage community. Questions may be sent to marketing@heritage1886.org.
Floats may be dropped off at the front doors of the following Heritage locations, nationwide.