Tinker children bring holiday cheer to assisted living residents Published Dec. 17, 2010 By Becky Pillifant Marketing Specialist TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- On Dec. 10, the Timberwood Assisted Living Center in Oklahoma City was filled with the happy sounds of preschool children who were dressed in their best holiday attire. The children arrived early and were very excited as they placed reindeer antlers on their heads. They were the stars of this holiday performance as they sang holiday songs and brought smiles to the resident's faces and at the end they presented the audience with holiday gift bags. The gift bags were filled by the CDC staff with donated items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste peanuts, lip balm and lotion. This unique program began four years ago, when the Child Development Center West preschool classrooms started visiting the Timberwood Assisted Living Center for Grandparent's Day in September and extended their visit to the center to include the holidays. "The children learn about caring, sharing and giving back to the community, as they build their self-esteem and an opportunity to connect with senior citizens and their peers," said Drusilla Calhoun, Training and Curriculum Specialist. Preschool children at the CDCW are active in a variety of community projects throughout the year. Some of the community projects include collecting school supplies for a school in Kenya, Saint Jude Children's Hospital Tike-a-Thon, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, the Airman's Attic, Ronald McDonald House Pull-Tab Collection Program, Mother to Mother, and Oklahoma City Animal Shelter. To learn more about preschool programs at the CDCW or if you would like to enroll a child at the center, call Katie Mann at 734-7980.