Booker Newbins once was a prizefighter whose long arms and height kept his opponents at bay.
A stroke in September left the 73-year-old weak, connected to an oxygen tank and abandoned.
But on Christmas Eve, he got a boost when LoDo district residents paid their annual holiday visit to the Barth Hotel, the assisted-living center for seniors and the disabled on 17th Street.
Santa Claus was on hand to hand out gifts and give residents a hug and a pat. The LoDo residents band together each year to buy the gifts, wrap them and deliver them to residents at the Barth.
Newbins received lip balm, toothpaste, gloves and socks.
Mary Ann Valeska, Barth’s director of development, said those gifts may not sound like much, but they can be crucial for the 60 residents living at the Barth. Many of them rely on Medicaid to survive, and once their bills are paid, they are left with little more than $60 to $70 at the end of the month, she said.
“This gives them the basic necessities,” she said. “You will see people excited over a toothbrush and toothpaste.”
For Newbins, who moved into the Barth two weeks ago, the visit by the volunteers meant more than just getting some basic toiletries. It meant somebody cared.
“This helps the hurt,” he said.
Clarence Miller, 55, moved into the Barth two months ago. His diabetes had gotten so bad that he no longer could live on his own. Now the personal-care physicians at the Barth monitor his health and make sure his sugar levels don’t crash.
He said the visit by the LoDo residents bearing gifts had made this one of his best Christmas holidays ever.
“It’s a very, very good Christmas,” he said.
John Cullen and his wife, Christine, have participated in the gift giving for nearly 14 years. They moved from LoDo to Highlands Ranch seven years ago, but they remain committed to the annual Christmas event.
“As a person, you’ve got to be humble and gracious for what God gives,” Cullen said. “We’ll never let go of this.”
For resident McCauley Deel, it meant a new Elvis CD he can listen to.
“He’s my favorite entertainer,” he exclaimed.
For Helen Shipley, a seven-year resident at the Barth, it meant a new black sweater and purple lipstick.
And for Jimmy Vance, 60, it meant a new coat and gloves. Now he won’t be cold when he goes on his daily treks to collect cans in the neighborhood.
Staff writer Christopher N. Osher can be reached at 303-820-1747 or cosher@denverpost.com.
