New Year Reflections

Come midnight on December 31, we’re not so much ringing out the old year as running it out of town on a rail. We’ve watched cherished community members face illness and bereavement; we’ve seen residents wrestle with employment issues; we’ve put aside business as usual to adopt safer, if less satisfying, ways of doing business. From the minor frustrations of shortages to the deadly impact of infections, 2020 may have been one for the record books, but definitely not one for the highlight reel.

Still, it wasn’t all bad. Yes, our industry took extraordinary financial hits. But in a time when home was the only safe place to be, we provided that home. For our community members, the views from their balconies, patios, and front doors became their worlds. We and those we shelter experienced, in the most extreme sense, home as sanctuary and neighbors as community. Long-term, that has to carry over to a deeper appreciation of where we live and whom we live alongside, and that’s a good thing.

And adapt? Boy, did we all adapt! At Can You Imagine, we provided our clients with a full range of COVID-19 themed gift options to share with residents, featuring hand sanitizer, masks, toilet paper, games, and cards to ease the burden of stay-at-home orders. Some clients chose instead the creativity and value of our mainstream gifts. But from the simplest door hanger to the most elaborate gift presentation, in a touchless and socially distanced world, we provided important and tangible touchpoints for your valued residents.

Wishing us all a bright and healthy 2021!