The Welsey Community, a 37-acre senior living campus with more than 700 residents in Saratoga Springs, will be the beneficiary of a special holiday giving campaign for the second consecutive year, courtesy of two local boutique gift shops. Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile will bring cheer to residents who may not have plans with family this year through their Adopt a Grandparent program.
The campaign kicked off the week of Monday, Nov. 18 and runs through Sunday, Dec. 15. Shoppers have the opportunity to purchase and personalize a $20 gift tag that will be placed on a Christmas “Giving Tree” at both stores. This year’s goal is to collect enough donations for the purchase of 350 gifts — one for each individual residing at the Wesley Health Care Center.
After Dec. 15, the gift tag donations will be used to buy small gifts for residents. Wesley’s Life Enrichment team will coordinate with representatives from Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile to identify shop items that are most appropriate as gifts and deliver them to residents just before Hanukkah and Christmas.
“The Wesley Community is grateful for the opportunity to again partner with Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile for the Adopt a Grandparent program, which was launched in 2023 by the gift shops’ co-owners Maddy Zanetti and Marianne Barker,” said The Wesley Community Director of Development and Communication Eileen Nash. “Through their generosity along with their loyal patrons, the Adopt a Grandparent program will ensure that our residents will share in the spirit of the holiday season.”
The pet-friendly gift shops are located in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs and carry a carefully curated selection of gifts, clothing and memorabilia. Both embrace the Saratoga and equestrian lifestyle and offer old-fashioned, friendly customer service.
“We had so much fun with this campaign last year that doing it again made perfect sense. We handed out 400 gift bags and they were so well received,” said Maddy Zanetti, co-owner of Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile. “For many people, the holidays can be a lonely time. We’re happy to be able to do something to bring joy to the residents at Wesley who may not have visitors.”
“It was so touching to hear people’s stories and reasons for donating last year. Everyone we spoke to wanted to support the campaign,” said Marianne Barker, co-owner of Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile. “The night we assembled all of the gifts was magical. The Wesley Community staff and our employees had a wonderful time working together on the project.”
Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile are located at 368 and 445 Broadway, respectively. Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile will have expanded hours during the holidays. Adopt a Grandparent gift tags can be purchased in-person, over the phone or online.
For more information about Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile, visit ImpressionsSaratoga.com or call 518-587-0666