"I said to myself, 'It's already November. I'll do it next year.' And I heard a voice say, 'No. You'll do it this year.' It is a God project. I was panicked that first year!"
She got busy and collected "stuffed animals, sweets, socks, manicure kits and things to keep people warm" and bundled small gift packages for residents of Carter Nursing and Rehab. The experience was rewarding, although Fultz confesses it was also personally difficult. "My own mom had an extended nursing home stay and it was just too emotionally draining to me."
The next year, Fultz redirected her energies to people living in Grayson's Friendship House and Chapel House, as well as the Olive Hill and Grayson Senior Citizens groups.
"Every resident of Friendship House and Chapel House gets a gift every single year. And, if they show up at the Grayson and Olive Hill senior centers they will get another one!"
Traditionally, Silver Bells presentations have been made during a party including a visit from Santa and Mrs. Santa. Considering Covid-19, this year's gifts will be delivered instead.
"We will drop things off at Friendship and Chapel House with no party this year," she said, adding "Santa's disappointed too because he really liked that."
Those who attended the Christmas gatherings always found ways to make the event memorable, she said, recalling a time when an older lady sat on Santa's lap and made an unexpected request.
She said she wanted a motor for the end of her cane, "So I can catch me a man!" Fultz said with a laugh.
With help from her husband, Lee, and a handful of volunteers from time to time, Fultz said she tries to learn a little about everyone they will give gifts, with added attention to families grieving the loss of a loved one.
Fultz founded a second project, Heroes Hope, six years ago with a goal of helping area veterans meet some of their basic needs. Heroes Hope now works with individual veterans as well as organizers of Project Omega at Fort Hood Veterans Nursing Home in Wilmore, Kentucky.
Most of the work for both projects depends on Fultz herself, although she is quick to credit others who've supported each.
"A lot of it is out of pocket. Rita Easterling at Rita's Rummage in Olive Hill has been especially supportive. And the Olive Hill American Legion Auxiliary also helped a whole lot," she said. "Mrs. Santa (Maria Hutchinson) is real good to help me - and her homemakers group too."
"My husband is a tremendous help, and we do get help from volunteers some years," she adds.
This year's gift collection could use additional support, she said.
"Monetary donations are always welcome, but we can use all kinds of things - snacks that are still in date; things like jewelry; gloves, socks ... they love lap throws. One year we got a bunch of afghans. Those were a big hit. One year we got arm-rest pillows and they loved those. Scarves, hats, knickknacks for decorating, A lot of them love religious things like devotionals," she said.
"And especially hygiene items because everybody uses that stuff."
For more information visit the Carla Williams Fultz page on Facebook, or call or text 606.356.9004.
Story and Photo by TIM PRESTON
Carter County Post