In the heart of East Texas, the Higginbotham family set out on a joyful mission to spread holiday cheer this season. Comprised of mom Ariel, dad Jared, and their six delightful children—Sophia, Amira, Zeke, Cami, Jaise, and Ezra—they launched “Operation Christmas Tree” with a simple yet profound aim: to brighten the spirits of residents at a local nursing home in Nacogdoches.

Their initial efforts involved delivering charming mini trees, cozy blankets, and festive decorations to their elderly neighbors. The response was heartwarming, igniting within the family a passion to do even more. Ariel expressed the sentiment beautifully, emphasizing the importance of bringing light and joy into the lives of those who may spend much of their day in solitude.

Motivated by the smiles and gratitude they witnessed, the Higginbothams returned to the nursing home, this time armed with an even broader array of gifts, including painted canvases, candy canes, delicious cookies, cuddly stuffed animals, and comfy grippy socks. This delightful expansion of their project was made possible by the generosity of their community, who rallied around their cause after the family shared their mission on social media.

As they prepared to deliver more joy, the family reached out for additional support, highlighting their commitment to ensuring that every resident felt valued and loved during the holiday season. They posted online, expressing their needs for blankets and grippy socks, but also appreciated donations of snacks and basic essentials.

The Higginbothams took on the responsibility of coordinating efforts and gathering items, demonstrating their dedication to making a difference. Their heartfelt appreciation for community involvement was evident in their words: “Every share, prayer, and contribution truly matters. Thank you for helping us love others well this Christmas.”

Inspired by the positive response, the family realized their initiative could evolve into something greater. Thus, the Timeless Compassion Project was born—a vision to continue uplifting local seniors all year long. They plan to apply for a 501c3 status after the holidays, enabling them to expand their reach beyond Nacogdoches and into the wider East Texas area.

Ariel reflected on the importance of inclusivity in charitable giving, noting that while many focus on helping the homeless or children during the holidays, the needs of nursing home residents often go overlooked. Jared added that many residents lack family support and visitors, underscoring the value of companionship and connection.

This year's efforts were centered around Willowbrook Nursing Home, where the Higginbothams received an overwhelming outpouring of support from local donors. Looking ahead, they are excited about the possibilities for next year, eager to engage the community further in their mission.

In a heartfelt message shared online, the family thanked everyone for their generous support: “Every resident was so surprised and so very thankful. Be on the lookout for next year's schedule after the new year. We are working on new ways to help the residents and would love to have each and every one of you involved. Every piece of help you give is noticed and so appreciated.”

The Higginbotham family's beautiful initiative serves as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of spreading kindness, making this holiday season one filled with love and joy for everyone involved.