Written by Parsons Green

Every holiday season, several Mary Kay consultants and directors will promote “Adopt a Grandparent”. They ask customers to buy product at Mary Kay cost, which is then donated to a nursing home. The consultant isn’t making any profit, but is receiving wholesale credit for their monthly production totals. Instead of asking homes what products are most needed, the consultants will donate Mary Kay hand or feet lotion and may throw in some candy or a crossword puzzle.

Consultants are always asking for ideas for their program on the various Facebook groups. These screenshots are from November 2024 but still illustrate how desperate and tacky these programs are.

Valanna Garms is mad. She contacted a nursing home and the person she talked to seemed confused by her request. The staff member wondered if Valanna needed a wish list from the residents so she could gift them items they wanted. Her residents wanted necklaces and chocolate.

Tonya Vice suggests she find another home. Someone will want the gifts Valanna and her unit are putting together. Mari Ripp says to tell the staff member they will go somewhere else!

Marcy Casler and other consultants agree. Move on.

Demi Gunn says she would never be picky over gifts that are given to residents. What if someone gave each resident a cat? Or a bowling ball? Lisa Dasher Powers wonders if the residents of that home are mentally cognizant! They could have dementia! Adopt a Grandparent is not an angel tree. It is a gift. You get what you get!

Other consultants join in. Move on. These are gifts that should be appreciated. You will find someone to take them.

Along with earning credit towards their production goals, consultants use these programs as a way to brag on social media about the good work they are doing. Frosty Rose posted about a director exploiting residents with free lip balm, where their pictures were plastered all over social media.

Nursing homes get offers like this from many different MLM’s not just Mary Kay. All of this product dropped off at the home for the staff to manage and most likely throw out. But at least the consultant got pics for social media and some production credit. Ho ho ho!