A Texas senior received a bubbly surprise this week after her nursing home’s pen pal request went viral on social media.
“We are blown away by the support with our new pen pal program! We are so touched that so many of y’all are passionate about this program for our residents,” the Hillside Medical Lodge in Gatesville, TX, wrote on Facebook.
Hillside, which offers long-term care short-term recovery, issued a plea on social media earlier this month calling on people around the world to participate in its pen pal program.
The original Facebook post, which has been shared more than 12,000 times, included about 50 photos of residents explaining the type of pen pals they’re looking for.
Among the photos was resident Billie who said she’s looking for a pen pal who enjoys “Dr Pepper and their family.” The company responded by surprising her with 16 cases of free soda cans and special edition bottles.
“Huge thank you to Dr Pepper in Waco! We have one happy resident,” the provider wrote.
Billie also received her first pen pal letter, so for now, her wishes have been granted.
