08/23/2026
The story behind our philanthropy for Sparkle & Spruce: Shopping Soirée🤍👇
The last few years taught me more about resilience and courage than I ever expected. During my first semester of college, my dad's health rapidly declined. He went through nearly eight years of nursing home care and hospitalization, and our relationship changed significantly because of his increased health needs. Watching him navigate everything he went through, I just wanted to help him feel more like himself, heard, and cared for. I chose to study public health in college because I’ve seen health play out in so many different aspects of my life, and I saw firsthand why it matters.
Spending time in nursing homes, I realized how much it matters to have extra hands and hearts showing up to love on people. I knew I wanted to be a part of that support system. When my dad couldn't take care of himself, I willfully came during breaks to help. I wanted to care for him, to help him feel seen as a person—not just a patient. An adult who needed care, not just my dad.
During college breaks, I'd massage his legs, trim his nails, and do what I could to help him stay comfortable. I learned those skills and how to assist with daily living working in home health, and I used them because I knew it made him feel a little more like himself. Because he couldn't speak for the last few years of his life, I focused on his feelings to make sure he felt seen, even when he had no voice. He was grateful. I was grateful. That's when I understood: showing up for people matters.
My dad was someone who helped others whenever he could. He wanted to be useful and build community. He instilled those same values in me. He pushed me to stay in school, to pursue my dreams, and to be successful. And look what we built from that. That's his legacy living through me.
That's why this drive means so much to me. The supplies we're gathering—blankets, socks, lotion—hand-delivered to those who need it most, those are the pieces that remind someone that somebody cares for them. That they aren't forgotten. Loving on our neighbors is at the heart of our mission. We're here to show up this holiday season with heart and integrity for those who need it most.
🤍✨ HOW TO SUPPORT THE DRIVE:
We will have blanket-making stations open at the show, and we are collecting the most-needed comfort items for our local nursing and rehab residents.
📦 Items to bring for donation:
-Lotion
-Cozy socks
-Blankets
-Neck pillows/wraps
-Weighted blankets
See you at the McKenna Yost Convention Center! Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit the Mila Rose Events page for more details.
Help me love on our neighbors together-- tag someone below who has inspired you to show up for others!
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