BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – For the past 12 years, Connie Streubel has made it her life’s mission to assist the elderly in any way she can.

But long before she started working with BrightStar Care, Streubel was already spending her time during the holidays gift-giving and providing a smile to senior living homes around Whatcom County.

As the caregiver for her great-grandparents, she was brought into senior living homes for the first time at the age of 11. Over time, it has since grown into her full-time job.

For 12 years in a row, Streubel has spent her Christmas Eve at various locations across the county giving gifts to seniors.

“I probably bag up around 600 to 700 gifts,” Streubel said. “It’s a lot of hand lotion, socks, gloves, hats—it all depends on what is donated.”

What Streubel made clear was that, especially around the holiday season, some of the seniors she interfaces with are not looking for a gift but rather someone to just listen to them.

When asked how it feels to provide an open ear to these folks, Streubel said, “It is just the best feeling in the world.”

Last year, Streubel brought out the morning show from KAFE 104.1 to sing Christmas carols at these homes. Morning show host Allan Fee brought out his famous panda suit to bring an extra level of cheer to the holiday songs.

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“I don’t sing… but I sing,” Strebuel said. “We just want to spread that little extra cheer.”

As Christmas Eve nears, Streubel says that donations are welcome as she prepares to make the gifts for Whatcom County seniors.

For more information on how to donate a gift or how to join in on the Christmas caroling at local Senior Living Homes, visit brightstarcare.com.

“It’ll make you smile,” Streubel said. “It’s the best feeling ever.”

We are Whatcom is a weekly column featuring Whatcom County residents making a positive impact on the community. To submit a Whatcom County resident to be featured, click here.