Giving, Gathering, and VERVE

December is here — the month of sparkling lights, cozy nights, warm drinks, and that distinct St. Louis charm that makes the season feel extra special. As the semester winds down for students at Saint Louis University, it’s the perfect moment for VERVE St. Louis residents to unwind, connect, and spread kindness throughout our city.

From simple acts of giving to festive gatherings and end-of-year celebrations, here’s how we’re embracing the season at VERVE St. Louis.

Give Back, Spread Joy

The holidays feel even more meaningful when we use our time and energy to brighten someone else’s season. At VERVE St. Louis, we make giving back simple, social, and genuinely fun — using our shared spaces as a launchpad for local impact.

Angel Tree Donations

Organizations like the Salvation Army Midland Division host Angel Tree programs that allow you to “adopt” a child and fulfill a wish from their holiday list.

Use our lounges or study rooms to wrap gifts, plan drop-offs, or host a floor-wide wrapping party with cocoa, snacks, and music.

Write Cards for Seniors

Senior living communities throughout St. Louis — such as Bethesda, Delmar Gardens, and The Willows at Brooking Park — deeply appreciate handwritten cards during the holiday season.

Settle into our clubhouse tables with friends, grab craft supplies, or use the community printer to create cheerful card templates. A cozy card-writing evening at VERVE St. Louis can bring joy to seniors across the region.

Donate Toys to Local Children’s Hospitals

SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital accept donations of new toys, games, blankets, and art supplies to brighten the holidays for pediatric patients.

Residents can collect items in our lobby or package room, or host a mini toy drive with roommates, neighbors, or a student org.

Support Local Food & Resource Pantries

St. Louis organizations like the St. Louis Area Foodbank, Operation Food Search, and Peter & Paul Community Services accept non-perishables, winter essentials, toiletries, and household items.

Gather friends in the community kitchen or lounge to sort donations, pack bags, or host a “Bring-a-Can” holiday movie night.

Moments That Bring Us Together

December is the perfect time to slow down and celebrate the community we’ve built at VERVE St. Louis all year long. Our amenities make it effortless to add warmth, fun, and connection to the season:

• Host a holiday potluck in the community kitchen before heading home for winter break
• Gather friends in the lounge for festive movie marathons or watch parties
• Decorate cookies or gingerbread houses in the shared kitchen

These spaces aren’t just amenities — they’re where memories take shape.

Ending the Year Strong

As we wrap up 2025, we want to thank every resident for helping create a warm, vibrant, and welcoming atmosphere at VERVE St. Louis. This month reminds us how important it is to rest, recharge, give back, and enjoy the people around us — and we’re proud to offer spaces built for those meaningful moments.

Here’s to warm hearts, cozy gatherings, and an incredible year ahead.

Stay connected with us on IG — more winter magic is coming! @vervestl