BCHS HOSA Club’s Adopt-A-Resident Program Hopes to Bring Comfort and Joy to Local Residents
The Bolivar Central High School (BCHS) HOSA Club, which consists of 95 high school students, debuted its Adopt-A-Resident Program this school year. The students curated a list of local senior citizen residents onto a website, where community members could go and select one to “adopt.” The HOSA Club started with a total of 123 residents available for adoption from both Pine Meadows and Bolivar Health and Rehabilitation (formerly Christian Care Center) in Bolivar.
“As of December 1, all 123 residents have been adopted,” proudly announced Brianna Foster, Vice President of Community Service with the BCHS HOSA.
On the program website, attached to each resident, is a list of wants and needs. Once someone adopts the resident, they are responsible for putting together a Christmas gift for the resident. Gifts should be brought to BCHS by Monday, December 15, 2025. HOSA members will then deliver them to the local nursing homes on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
Brianna shared the idea for the Adopt-A-Resident program was inspired by the connection the BCHS HOSA has had with the local nursing home facilities throughout the past few years through clinicals and other community service projects. Some including Valentine’s Day gift baskets and handmade cards throughout the year, as well as her familiarity with the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.
“As someone who has experiences working and spending time with these residents through CNA clinicals through HOSA and playing Bingo through my church youth group, I have grown to be more open-minded to those we sometimes forget about. I have learned what true patience and care is. This has overall as a person made me more considerate, patient, and humble,” said Brianna, whose goal for the Adopt-A-Resident program is to make every resident feel seen and loved this holiday season.
Brianna will attend the University of Memphis Lambuth after she graduates in May 2026. She plans to pursue an All-Learners Teaching Degree and become an elementary school teacher. Brianna shared a message to the community on behalf of the HOSA Club and those involved with the Adopt-A-Resident program.
“We are extremely grateful and overwhelmed with emotions brought by the community, which has shown out in many ways to help us achieve this goal for the residents of Bolivar. We couldn’t have made this happen without our local community backing us up every step of the way. This program has been the biggest project the BCHS HOSA has ever hosted. We are excited to see the joy that is given to these residents through this program this holiday season,” said Brianna.
The BCHS HOSA Club is still collecting generic items for codependent residents and residents who were welcomed after the original adoption list was curated. Monetary donations are also accepted. Visit the generic needs list and look for this section:
Author Hannah Thompson
As the assistant director of the Bolivar‑Hardeman County Library, Hannah has the privilege of sharing her love of stories with the Hardeman County community every day. She is excited to do the same as a member of the Hatchie Press team. When she is not working, you’ll likely find Hannah reading in the company of her sweet feline children, Galinda and Galileo.
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