MURFREESBORO, TN - Melissa Warren knew she wanted to do something in the community after she retired from a long career in information technology and long-term care. When she learned that Westbrooks Towers needed help for its residents, she was quick to say “Yes.”

Westbrooks Towers is a high-rise apartment building that is a subsidized Tax Credit property for older adults. Rents are based on 30 percent of the tenant’s adjust gross income. Currently, Westbrooks Towers has no vacancies, and the waiting list is closed.

“Melissa is such a blessing to our residents, because some residents don't get anything or get to spend time with their families at Christmas,” said Gina Davis, Westbrooks Towers Manager. “God has blessed us with Mrs. Warren.  The residents, as well as our staff, appreciate it so very much.”

“The first year we collected staple food items at Christmas for the residents,” Warren said. “We wanted to provide nutritious foods that were what they wanted and had a good shelf life.” The food drive went so well that Westbrooks Towers manager Gina Davis asked Warren the following year to step in and provide Christmas gifts.

“The company that had provided gifts in the past couldn’t do it again for some reason,” Warren said. “My team of friends and volunteers was so happy to do this for the residents.”

“Engaging people from our community to help is a vital part of creating a quality place to live for our Westbrooks Towers residents,” said Murfreesboro Housing Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas Rowe. “These generous folks fill in many gaps for us, and we appreciate it very much.”

In 2023, Warren and her team wrapped gifts for 214 residents. “There were gifts all over my house in every room,” she said. “I checked my list again and again to be sure I had everybody covered.” Residents are asked to provide a list of wants and needs, including favorite colors and sizes, and volunteers select gifts from those lists.

“I really love doing this,” Warren said. “The community was so good to me and my family over the years, supporting my businesses, and I am glad I have the ability to give back.”

This year, gifts were delivered to Westbrooks Towers December 14. Warren says the staff is so helpful and she can’t say enough about the many people who volunteer to provide the gifts. “People are so generous. You just have to point them in the right direction.”