Oh What Fun! Spreading Holiday Cheer in Nashville

[Ana]

Southwest Employees deliver gifts to residentsWith the holiday season in full swing, Southwest Airlines continues to spread positive cheer and kindness in the community.  Employees at our Nashville (BNA) Station recently displayed their Servant’s Heart by “adopting” more than180 residents in an independent living facility who were in need of items in this very challenging year.

Our Employees received an overwhelmingly positive response when they asked the facility if they could adopt their residents this season. Most residents wanted items that would keep them warm during the winter weather such as sweaters, blankets, and other cozy essentials. Other residents simply wanted toiletries and household goods—items many of us may take for granted.  

Gifts wrapped and ready for distribution to the residentsTeam BNA created a “wish list tree” that included the name of each resident and their wish items. Any interested Employee had the opportunity to select a recipient and participate. More than 150 Southwest Elves from the Nashville Station went to work crossing things off the list to ensure every resident received their wish this year.

Light up the World with Kindness

With Santa Claus leading the way, the Elves delivered all the gifts to the residents last week (with social/physical distancing and CDC guidance top of mind, of course).  In addition to the gifts, Chick-fil-A donated meals for every resident. The room lit up with smiles!  Laughter and a few tears of joy were shed as the residents expressed gratitude for making their day special. It was truly a priceless moment!  

Chick-fil-A provided warm meals to residents as they arrived to receive their giftsResident DeAnna shared a card that read “The little things you do make a big difference, and I want you to know how grateful I am.” Doing the little things that make a big difference is what Southwest Employees do every day as they serve their Customers. Team BNA, thank you for sparking joy in DeAnna and the other 187 residents.

During this season of giving, we recognize the importance of supporting the communities we serve. We’re grateful that our BNA Employees jumped on this opportunity to ensure every resident felt welcomed, cared for, and appreciated this holiday season! We know many other Southwest Employees across our system are doing the same! Whether in the air or on the ground, we believe community is more than a place—it’s at the Heart of what brings us together.