SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR Trudie McCoy of North Jackson, left, …

Special to The Vindicator | published: January 5, 2017

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR Trudie McCoy of North Jackson, left, founder of Opal’s Spirit of Giving, and Kristen Taylor, Shepherd of the Valley-Niles admissions coordinator, are shown the day of gift distribution at the Niles site. McCoy began the project when she realized other residents at her mother’s nursing home in Coshocton, Ohio, did not get regular visitors or gifts at Christmas. She made it her mission to spread joy and cheer by making handmade blankets for residents. McCoy uses her antique shop to involve businesses, community residents and Valley nursing homes. Those interested in helping take a tag off a Christmas tree with the first name of a resident and items suitable for purchase. McCoy collects items at her shop and schedules pick-up times with each participating nursing home. For information, call Taylor at 330-544-0771, ext. 0771.