Addie McCluskey
Elmore Autauga News
Uncle Mick’s and other local businesses are joining forces this holiday season with Prattville Nursing Home Blessings, a Facebook group devoted to supporting nursing home residents who often go without, to bring comfort, joy, and dignity to senior citizens.
“Most nursing home residents can’t afford even their basic needs,” said Marolyn Robbins, founder of Prattville Nursing Home Blessings. “Many don’t have family or loved ones to provide for them.”
For seniors relying on Medicaid, Robbins said personal spending money is limited to just $30 a month — an amount that must stretch to cover clothing, toiletries, shoes, snacks, cell phone bills, meals out, supplements, and even haircuts. The financial strain leaves many seniors without the essentials that make daily life comfortable. This reality is what inspired Nikki Brothers, owner of Uncle Mick’s Cajun Café, to get involved.
“We have lots of systems in place to help foster families and children, but we really need to do more for our seniors,” said Brothers. “That’s why we chose them for our giving tree this year.”
Brothers discovered Robbins’ post on Facebook calling for local businesses to sponsor a nursing home giving tree — a program inspired by the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. Each tree is decorated with tags representing a resident and giving community members the chance to pick a name and bless someone who might otherwise be forgotten this season.
The process is simple, but the impact is tremendous:
- Choose a tag from a giving tree.
- Purchase the items listed (extras are welcome).
- Place everything in a gift bag and attach the tag.
- Return the gifts to the business hosting the tree.
Prattville Nursing Home Blessings has coordinated with Prattville Health and Rehabilitation, Prattville Baptist Hospital, Charlton Place in Millbrook, and Tallassee Nursing Home to get a list of items their seniors need. Each giving tree tag covers the needs of one specific senior.
“We’re starting with just 50 tags,” said Brothers. “Over half are already spoken for, and we’re hoping more people will step in, so we can refill the tree and reach even more seniors who need our help.”
To show their appreciation for those who give, Uncle Mick’s is offering a free dessert of choice to anyone who completes a giving tree donation at their location.
Other participating businesses include:
- Fountain City Nutrition
- Jones Drug Store in Millbrook
- Covenant Baptist Church in Millbrook
- Prattville Fast Pace Health
- Trinity Prattville Church
Because many residents receive no gifts at all during the holidays, the deadline for returning items is earlier than most — Nov. 29, 2025. This gives volunteers time to ensure that every single name on every tree is cared for before Christmas arrives.
This season, a small act of kindness — a warm pair of pajamas, a favorite snack, a soft blanket, a bottle of lotion — can remind a senior that their community sees them, remembers them, and cares. Sometimes the smallest gifts make the biggest difference.
For more information, join Prattville Nursing Home Blessings’ Facebook group.
