Each year one of the most beautiful migrations in North America is the return of the swallows to Capistrano. At Cordova it is the return of the Casa Coloma doves that reminds us of the changing seasons and the coming of Christmas.

The doves are currently available in the foyer. Each dove will have the name of a resident of Casa Coloma and a suggested gift to purchase. This year the wrapped gifts will need to be returned by Sunday, December 11. Please make sure the dove with the resident’s name on it is attached firmly to the gift, name side up.

To keep track of who is buying for whom in case a dove is lost or a reminder to bring your gift is necessary, a post-it will be attached to each dove with the name of the resident on it. When you take the dove, write your name on the post-it and leave the post-it on the resident list on the foyer table.

Gift suggestions are typed on the dove & will include sizes when applicable. If a size is not listed, it is suggested you buy a large as the residents often layer their clothing. If you pick a dove that contains a suggestion for socks only and feel inclined, any additional gift you care to purchase for that resident will be appreciated.

Parents are asked to remind their children of the purpose of the gifts, so that no presents are opened by an excited child upon seeing the stack of presents in the foyer.

Cordova has been sponsoring the Casa Coloma gift exchange ministry since 1993. If anyone has a request to buy for a particular resident, call coordinator Cynthia Stafford ahead of time & she will save that resident’s dove for you.

Your generosity will often be the only gift the resident receives.